The Owner Of Macy's Died On Titanic With His Wife. The Reason They Stayed Will Move You To Tears

July 14, 2017

Forget about Jack and Rose, the true love story from the Titanic was Isidor Straus and his wife Ida.

owner of Macys died on Titanic love story
Image credit: Wikipedia / BBC

Isidor, the wealthy owner of Macy's at the time, was offered a spot in a lifeboat next to his wife. He refused seating while there were still women and children aboard and refused to be made an exception.

According to friend and Titanic survivor Colonel Archibald Gracie IV, Ida refused to leave without him. Ida insisted her newly hired English maid took her spot in the lifeboat. She handed the woman her fur coat, stating she would not be needing it.

Ida is reported to have said, "I will not be separated from my husband. As we have lived, so will we die, together."

Isidor and Ida were last seen on deck arm in arm.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as a "most remarkable exhibition of love and devotion."

In the 1997 Titanic movie, the couple lying in bed holding hands as the ship went down is based on Isidor and Ida.

Source: Wikipedia