Annette Dionne, the final surviving member of the Dionne quintuplets, passed away at the age of 91. Her death was announced by the Dionne Quints Home Museum. The quintuplets, born in 1934, were the first known set to survive past infancy and achieved international recognition during their early lives, which included a period under government custody as a tourist attraction.
Death Announcement
Annette Dionne died at 91 years old. She was the last of the Dionne quintuplets to pass away, and her death was confirmed by the Dionne Quints Home Museum.
Early Life and International Attention
Born in Ontario, Canada, in 1934 amidst the Great Depression, Annette and her four identical sisters — Yvonne, Cécile, Émilie, and Marie — gained worldwide attention as the first known quintuplets to survive beyond infancy. Their early lives were extensively publicized, featuring appearances in films, on magazine covers, and in various commercial endorsements.
Government Custody and "Quintland"
Shortly after their birth, the Ontario government removed the quintuplets from their parents' custody. For several years, they were housed and displayed in a dedicated facility known as "Quintland," which operated as a tourist attraction. During this period, the children were subject to continuous examination and observation, with limited contact with their parents and other siblings. Custody was subsequently returned to their parents.
Legal Action and Settlement
In 1998, Annette, alongside her sisters CĂ©cile and Yvonne, initiated legal proceedings against the Ontario government. The lawsuit addressed the circumstances and conditions of their childhood. This action resulted in a settlement totaling approximately C$3 million.
Family Overview and Legacy
Annette Dionne was the final surviving sibling among the 14 children born to the Dionne family. Her four quintuplet sisters all predeceased her:
- Émilie died in 1954.
- Marie died in 1970.
- Yvonne died in 2001.
- CĂ©cile died earlier in the current year.
The Dionne Quints Home Museum stated that Annette Dionne supported children's rights and believed in maintaining the museum to preserve the quintuplets' history for future generations.