Nun born approx 1855 entered Gateshead Convent 1881+ Katherine McELROY.

[Doreen Peacock]

Catherine Mc Elroy is my great grandmother, ...she gave birth to an illegitimate son in 1881; (my grandfather) in Gatshead, County Durham, then set up an informal adoption with family she stayed with; and then, after about six months plus, is said to have entered a convent. her age was noted as 26yrs old, in 1881 so was born approx 1855. She was a Roman Catholic.

How do I trace her life as a nun, after the birth of her son?
Do they record death with new religious name; or their birth or legal name? 
Where do I search for written records?

[CaroleW]

“Is said to have entered a convent”

What actual evidence is there to support that - other than hearsay?

Where was her age noted as 26?  Birth certs do not record mothers age

Was she Irish?  Is it more likely she returned to Ireland after the birth?

I note your grandfather had 4 christian names - George William Shiel Best.  The last 2 are surnames & I wonder if they have any significance in Katherine’s family?

[CaroleW]

1891 George is George W Shiel living with “parents” George & Alice (nee Weddell) both b Northumberland

[jonw65]

Baptism of Georgius Gulielmus Shiel Best McElroy, 23 March 1881, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Gateshead.
Born 2 Feb 1881
Mother is Catherinæ McElroy
Father given here as Gulielmi Best McElroy
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NJFT-BJW

Perhaps George's father was someone called William Best?

[jonw65]

Katherine and George McElroy are with the Shiels in Gateshead in 1881
Census says she is 26, a Shop keeper, born Newcastle.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q271-PQXV

[jonw65]

Were her parents Peter and Catherine?
1861
Piece 3812 folio 101 page 36
Duke Street, Westgate, Newcastle St. John
Catherine is 6, born Newcastle upon Tyne
Mc Droy on ancestry, looks more like Mc Eroy to me.

Birth reg?
MACKLEROY, CATHERINE       
Mother's Maiden Surname: SMITH 
GRO Reference: 1855  M Quarter in NEW CASTLE UPON TYNE  Volume 10B  Page 44

[jonw65]

Baptism, 10 Dec 1854, St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Newcastle
Catherine McElroy
Father Peter
Mother Catherine (Smith)
Born 2 Dec 1854
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JS1H-Q3L

[Doreen Peacock]

Thank you so much....George William Mc Elroy Best (adopted by Shiels) were living in Cowen Street on 1881 census. George from Shiel; William from father (Best) Mc Elroy from mother. Shiel adopted him.

Now I need to locate William Best (father) thought to have emigrated to Australia.... and
Mother Catherine Mc Elroy thought to have joined Nuns..... how do I locate which Order, and new name? AND when she died, would she have been registered in Nun's name; or... Given name at birth?

Many thanks for pushing us so far, so fast. You are all Brilliant.

[Ruskie]

It sounds like you were aware of the father “William Best” and know some things about him.

When and whereabouts in Australia did he go?

Did he marry in Australia?