On Saturday 24th October 2009, the Titanic family had the opportunity of paying our last respects to that very special lady, Millvina Dean. The Memorial service, by kind permission of the Dean family, was organized by David Hill from the British Titanic Society, of which Millvina was president. We gathered in St. Mary’s Church, Copythorne where Millvina’s mother Ettie is buried for the Memorial service and afterwards Millvina’s ashes were scattered, half on her mother’s grave and half in the waters of Berths 43/44 in Southampton Docks, from where Millvina sailed on Titanic as a tiny baby in 1912. Present through out were members of the worldwide Titanic family, remembering a very gracious lady who had great charisma and vitality, someone we all sadly miss. Mandy Le Boutillier ( Titanic-Verein), David and myself spoke at the service whilst Charles Haas who is President of Titanic International and was unable to attend, sent a beautiful message which was read out. The Mayor of Southampton read ‘Gone from my sight’ by Henry Van Dyke. There was a minute of reflection whist we listened to a piece of Millvina’s favourite music “Claire de Lune”.
Our thanks must go to the Reverend Neville Jacob who conducted the service with great dignity and to the Harbour master who allowed us to use his launch to scatter Millvina’s ashes and floral tributes into the sea. Special thanks must go to David Hill for all his hard work which culminated in a Memorial service which was a fitting tribute for “Millvina .. a life to remember”.  It was a very emotional and moving day for all concerned.
More details will be given in the next issue of Belfast Titanic Society’s magazine, CDQ. 

Content and image courtesy of Una Reilly, Chair, Belfast Titanic Society, http://www.belfast-titanic.com