Mary Ann Fischer, mother of quintuplets, dies

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- As the mother of five children in a small South Dakota town, the limelight was the furthest thing from Mary Ann Darling Fischer's mind. All that changed on Sept. 14, 1963, when Fischer gave birth to the first known surviving quintuplets in the United States.

Thrust into the spotlight after giving birth to the four girls and one boy, Fischer and her then-husband retreated into the most quintessential South Dakota activities: they took part in a bowling league, hunted pheasants and attended regular Sunday church services.

"I would rather go into the delivery room than come down here," Mary Ann Fischer said as she faced 30 reporters at her first news conference after the birth of the babies.

Mary Ann Darling Fischer died Sunday at age 79.

On Sept. 14, 1963, the couple welcomed Mary Ann, Mary Catherine, Mary Margaret, Mary Magdalene and James Andrew between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. The babies were not weighed immediately but the doctor estimated each of the girls weighed between 2 1/2 and 3 pounds while James Andrew weighed about 4 pounds.

Mary Ann was named for her mother; Mary Catherine and Mary Margaret were named for two hospital workers and Mary Magdalene was named for her paternal grandmother.

The couple later had another child.