Find Living Relatives

Hi,

I'm trying to find my cousin. She was born in Bethany House, Auckland on the 9th October, 1967. My Aunt's name at the time of the birth was Barbara Nobilo and she called her baby daughter Catherine. The baby's father's name was James Reed/Reid, but my mother remembers everyone calling him 'Winky'. My Aunt was living in Whangarei and was sent down to Auckland to give birth and have the baby adopted out. She was only 17 at the time.

My Aunt went on to marry Richard Storey and they had 2 boys. After they divorced, she married John Koellner. It was while she was with John that Catherine contacted my Nana, asking to meet her birth mother. She gave her name as Gaylene Joy (not sure if Joy was her middle or last name), and said she was adopted into a family of boys. Barbara told my Nana that she was not ready to meet her daughter at that time in her life.

Sadly, Barbara passed away in April last year. This is all the information we know about Catherine/Gaylene. Our family would really any help that anyone can give us in regards to finding our Niece/Cousin/Sister.

Thank you
Narelle

Hi Narelle,

There is a Koellner listed under Telecom NZ Residential numbers. The name is K J, but sometimes people used their second name and this could be John.

This name is unusual and is the only one listed in the Auckland area. There are three listed in Whangarei area.

That is a start.

Best of Luck,

Maria

Hi Narelle,

In case this helps ... the 'National Library of NZ' (on-line) has an 'Ask a Librarian' service .....they will check electoral rolls (past & present) ..and also newspaper death notices ..for family names.

Valerie (WAus)

Hi

Bethany closed down just the other day... it was a wonderful place for unmarried mums.
Whilst the National Library can shed light on some information I have noticed that when people have shown me what they have got from the service, it is quite limited. Not sure whether it is because they are still in temporary accomodation at the moment or why.

I am away at present, but when I get back to Auckland I will check out a few avenues for you if you have no luck with what Maria has given you.

Cheers

Persie

Have a great time Persie - lucky you!

Maria

Thanks for your help guys. I should add that I'm not looking for any of the Koellners. John died many years ago and never knew about Barbara's daughter.

What I'm really hoping to find is the name of the family Catherine/Gaylene was adopted into. Without that I don't think I'm going to be able to find her or anything about her in the NZ National Library.

I don't think that James knew that he had a daughter - I have a few possible phone numbers/addresses for him but if he didn't know about her I'm reluctant to ring or write to him. I'm not out to cause issues.

Persie - I would be grateful if you could check out what you can for me, that would be wonderful.

Thank you again for your help :-)

Narelle

Glad you have returned to thread,

I will see what I can find out...

I have to make a couple of trips to do so... will let you know by Pm when sorted..

Cheers Persie