Cécile Dionne, one of the famous Dionne quintuplets, passed away this week at the age of 91 after a prolonged illness. Carlo Tarini, a former family spokesperson and close friend, confirmed her death at a hospital in Montreal.
The Dionne quintuplets gained worldwide attention following their birth in a small loghouse near Corbeil, Ont., on May 28, 1934. Born prematurely, they were believed to be the first surviving quintuplets in history, sparking fascination during a time when multiple births were rare. Despite facing challenges, Cécile lived with grace, discretion, and humor, as described in her obituary shared by Tarini.
Cécile is survived by her sister, Annette Dionne, who is the only remaining quintuplet. The Ontario government removed the quintuplets from their family at four months old, considering their parents unfit after agreeing to exhibit them at the Chicago World’s Fair. The sisters were placed in a special nursery and observatory known as Quintland, where they were cared for by nurses and displayed to the public.
Between 1934 and 1943, the quintuplets attracted over six million visitors, with thousands of tourists visiting daily. The sisters became a major tourist attraction, surpassing even the popularity of Niagara Falls. Despite a custody battle, the girls were returned to their parents at the age of nine, but their relationship with them remained challenging, with allegations of abuse.
In 1998, the surviving sisters received an apology and a $4-million settlement from the Ontario government for mishandling a trust fund meant for their support. Cécile, known as a leader among the surviving sisters, fought for justice and spoke out against their past suffering. She reflected on the difficulties of growing up in Quintland, emphasizing the lack of freedom and constant surveillance.
Tarini compared the Dionne quintuplets to the Kardashian sisters, noting the difference in their approach to fame. Cécile expressed a desire for a normal life away from the public eye. Despite the challenges, Cécile was described as a resilient individual who fought for her independence in later years.