 Though her exact date of birth is unknown, her death at the age of 36 in November 1586 provides 1550 as the likely year of her birth.Her father, Jean de Coignard, was a prominent member of the elite literary society of Toulouse during the mid-16th century, acting as maître for the prestigious Académie des Jeux Floraux.Records of his life indicate that Coignard received a good education fitting of her status—a luxury not afforded to women of lower classes—and she was well-versed in the Catholic faith.