February 20, 1974. In her will, Marie-Amélie Daout, wife of Dumas, designates the City of Paris as universal legatee of all her assets, reports
Le Parisien
.
His only condition?
May this donation be intended for the Madeleine church.
Four years after his death, in March 2020, his wish is about to be granted.
Although the choice to bequeath his entire fortune to this emblematic church may seem trivial, it is in reality carefully considered.
The nonagenarian worked as a management assistant in a ministry in the 8th arrondissement, not far from Place de la Madeleine, according to a neighbor, still reported by
Le Parisien
.
But above all,
“this is where she found her husband at lunchtime, when he was not traveling
,” explains Carmen Marti-Sarteur, her neighbor for more than 20 years.
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Marie-Amélie Daout’s gift is timely.
The first phase of renovation of the Madeleine must be inaugurated in the spring, as indicated by
Le Parisien
.
Work began in 2021 with the façade on Rue Royale, now visible and restored.
The heritage will participate in the restoration of the other three phases, financing the project up to 25%.
This donation is historic for the City of Paris.
“We noted varying amounts, ranging from 1000 euros to more than 5 million euros, the latter being the legacy of Madame Daout
,” explains the town hall to Le
Parisien
.
The fortune of the nonagenarian includes 18 real estate properties in Paris, six others in Cher, her department of origin.
But also three apartments in Nice, furniture and bank books.
The municipality has just authorized the auction of the property inherited from the donor.
In total, she could get 5.3 million euros.
And to thank Marie-Amélie Daout,
“a plaque will be affixed”
Karen Taieb, the elected official in charge of heritage,
told the
Parisian .