TITANIC HERO: submitted: 02/10/12
Good Morning Denise,
Today’s modern day HEROINE is YOU!
Please know, I believe YOU are an advocate for that piece of history and the people all around the World who are connected to TITANIC.
Be encouraged in the lives you are touching and have ministered to.
Sunday will be a huge celebration here at Watersong, and you are the major part of it … this event wouldn’t even be happening if I hadn’t met you. It’s an honor for me to have met you, work with you and have you at Watersong this Sunday. It will be very special to honor your Father as well.
Denise, I believe this is the just the start of some amazing things, God has planned for our friendship/connection this year.
I’m praying for you and looking forward to seeing you on Sunday.
Sharon Larson, Watersong
Denise D. Vanaria as Mrs. Thomas Andrews Jr.
Photo 2009. Mrs. Denise Vanaria is a Thomas and Helen Andrews/Titanic historian and an expert on Edwardian costuming. Among Ms. Vanaria’s many credits are Robert Ballard’s film “Titanic Revealed,” and the Broadway musical “Titanic.” Her Titanic artifacts and meticulously restored Edwardian clothing, which she wears at all appearances, have for many years been exhibited at “The Titanic Experience” in Orlando. She is also active in the Belfast Titanic Schools Project; the Nomadic Preservation Society; British Titanic Society; and the Belfast Titanic Society.
Ms. Vanaria’s extraordinary knowledge of Helen (Mrs. Thomas) Andrews, and a stunning twin-like resemblance, enable her to bring this relatively unknown woman back to life thereby unveiling new information about the Titanic tragedy. Helen Andrews was her husband’s closest confidant, and Ms. Vanaria encourages the audience to become intimately acquainted with Mrs. Andrews. During this unforgettable performance we find ourselves smiling, laughing, crying, and mourning with “those left behind” as Helen discovers herself, her womanhood, her future, and her incredibly passionate love for her beloved “Tommie.”
Thomas Andrews, Managing Director of the Harland & Wolff Design Department, was often in disagreement with the safety arrangements. Nevertheless, he labored tirelessly to make Titanic, in his own words, “as nearly perfect as human brains can make her.” After collision with the iceberg, Andrews’ final hours were spent trying to evacuate the women and children of Titanic. He made absolutely no attempt to save himself and his body was never recovered.
Helen Andrews was inconsolable. Like most Titanic widows she never received closure, albeit she heroically soldiered on marrying shipbuilder Henry Harland in 1917. Nevertheless, Helen’s devotion to her beloved Tommie stayed true. Helen (Nellie) never stopped waiting for Tommie to come home until they were reunited in death 54 years later.
A special note to Bob Williams, Jamie Thomas, Ron Cicchinelli, Bruce Beveridge:
Bob:
I recall the comments you had written to me sometime ago……
“I wish we had known one another at the time of my dive….I would have gladly given my seat to you. As you are most sincere & deserving.
“The word “overwhelmed” does not pertain to you.”
It was my honour to work with you. Thank you for believing in me.
Jamie & Ron:
Thanks for being there right from the beginning. You are “True” friends.
Bruce:
Thanks for being there for my parents.
Denise D. Vanaria (Nellie) 2011
Raise the Titanic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YCmJbEedkc
My father took me to see this film when it debuted in 1980. We were given a facsimile of the Chicago Tribune headlines, April 16,1912. This souvenir can now be seen in my traveling exhibits.
Me & Dad Chicago 1967
Paternal great grandparents, Frank & Sophia 1903.
Great Grandparents Frank and Sophia 1908. Webster, M.A.
1908 Great Aunt Hattie & Uncle Arthur
Our Titanic boy: Tommie Andrews & Marie Sloan
Charley & Diana
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Rayshaun Haggray says: 
Mrs Andrews 
Danika 
Enrique 
Christine in Milwaukee 
Olga May Milligan 
Bob Williams 
Derek 
Wendy Barker nee Fox 
