Annette Dionne, the last of Canada’s famous Dionne quintuplets, has died.
Born in 1934, the sisters — Yvonne, Annette, Cécile, Émilie and Marie — were the first known set of quintuplets to survive into adulthood.
The quints were among 14 children in the family.
The Dionne quintuplets in a classroom.{ }(Library and Archives Canada)
They were later taken into the custody of the Ontario government, which made millions from tourists after putting the babies on display in a nursery-style exhibit called Quintland.
The popularity of the tourist attraction surpassed that of the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.
The quints’ likenesses also appeared on souvenirs and commercial products of the time.
The province apologized for the quintuplets’ treatment in 1998 as part of a $4 million settlement with Annette and two of her sisters.
The Dionne quintuplets depicted on a Quaker Oats package.{ }(Library and Archives Canada)
The Dionne Quints Home Museum said Annette died on Christmas Eve. She was 91.
“Much beloved, Annette had championed children’s rights. She believed it was important to maintain the Dionne Quints Museum and the history it provides for the future of all children,” the museum said.
Comment with Bubbles
JOIN THE CONVERSATION (4)
No details were given.
