Garden For Titanic's Last Survivor

A garden dedicated to the memory of Millvina Dean, the last survivor of the Titanic, will be officially opened near the entrance to Southampton’s new SeaCity Museum today (Thursday 31st May)

Lifelong Southampton resident Elizabeth Gladys `Millvina` Dean was not only the longest living Titanic survivor, but at nine weeks old she was also the youngest passenger. 

Southampton City Council was approached by the Millvina Fund two years ago with a proposal for the garden. The Fund underwrote the project with a sizable grant, funded by donations received from around the world. 

Councillor Warwick Payne, Cabinet Member for Housing and Leisure, said: “With the opening of Southampton’s SeaCity Museum on the centenary of the sinking of the Titanic, it could not be more appropriate to celebrate the life of Millvina Dean by dedicating the garden at SeaCity to her memory. Millvina was an extraordinary woman with and extraordinary story and a valued member of our local community.” 

David Hill, an administrator of the fund, said: “With her joyous philosophy and unassuming personality, Millvina Dean touched the hearts of all who knew her. The administrators of the Millvina Fund are particularly pleased that this garden dedicated to her memory will be seen and enjoyed by thousands from around the world who will come to enjoy the SeaCity Museum. 

"We express our gratitude to the Millvina Fund’s donors, Southampton City Council and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, who have translated our concepts into a lovely living tribute to this remarkable lady.” 

Bertram Frank Dean and Georgette Eva Light Dean boarded the Titanic at Southampton with their daughter Millvina and son Bertram Vere to emigrate to Wichita, Kansas in April 2012. 

Sadly, Millvina’s father died when the Titanic sank. 

She was educated at Gregg School and never married.

It was not until she was in her 70s that she became a Titanic celebrity. 

Millvina died on 31 May 2009 - aged 97 - after a short illness.