Catherine Jean Fraser (Allan) Woolmore (abt. 1909 - 1996)

Born about 1909 in Tasmania, Australia [uncertain]

Ancestors

Wife of Cyril James Woolmore — married 1930 (to about 1947) in Victoria, Australia

Died 20 Jul 1996 at about age 87 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia [uncertain]

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Anthony Black [send private message]

Biography

Catherine Jean Fraser Allan, married name Woolmore was born about 1909, the daughter of William Allan and Annie Alford.

Marriage. In 1930, she married Cyril James Woolmore, in Victoria.^[1][2]

South Africa (1937-1946). In 1946, Catherine J. Woolmore was aged 38 and lived in Durban, South Africa. She had arrived in 1937 with her husband.

Letters passed between her and the Department of External Affairs about her return to Australia with her four children. It was noted that her mother lived in Australia and that Catherine had ample means to pay her fares herself, without assistance. She had stated in an interview with the High Commissioner that all her capital had been lodged with Thomas Cook and might only cover her passage to Perth. Her parents would assure a home for her and she was sure she could make a living in Australia. At the time, Catherine was making £50 a month working for Beryl Hassall & Co, Durban , as a cutter and designer of women's clothes.

Catherine had 3 sons (aged 14, 13, and 9 years) and a daughter. Her husband, aged 43, had enlisted in the South African Forces (Navy) in 1941 and was recently discharged. however, she claimed, Cyril had taken to drink and drugs and was living with another woman. A maintenance order saw him paying her and the children £16 a month. Catherine expected they would be divorced within the next month or two, having already instigated proceedings.

More urgent than monetary assistance though, was the request for priority movement once shipping became available.

Catherine and the children sailed for Australia in October 1946, per the Asturias. ^[3]

Death. Catherine Jean Woolmore died 20th July 1996, aged 87. On 24th July 1996, she was buried in her parents' grave at the Brighton General Cemetery, Caulfield South, Victoria. ^{[4] [5][6]}

Sources

• Victoria (Australia) Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages.
  Search Your Family History

1. ↑ Marriage, Victoria (Australia) Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages. (Online index accessed 4 Aug 2023): 1930 Marriage Registration for Cath Jean ALLAN & Cyril Jas WOOLMORE, 10014/1930
2. ↑ Named in her father's 1947 death notice
   The Argus (Melbourne) Tuesday 20 May 1947
   DEATHS
   ALLAN.—On May 19, at his home, 80 Pt. Nepean road, Elsternwick, William, dearly beloved husband of Annie Allan, and devoted father of Katie (Mrs. C. J. Woolmore), Yvonne (Mrs. R. Vernon), Nancy (deceased), Lindy (Mrs. R. Thompson), Bill, and Paddy, aged 63 years.
   R.I.P.—1947 'Family Notices', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 20 May, p. 2. , viewed 04 Aug 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22427415
3. ↑ Catherine's return to Australia.: National Archives of Australia. Department of External Affairs [II], Central Office: RecordSearch NAA: A1067, IC46/3/497 digital copy (accessed 4 Aug 2023)
   Landing permits - Woolmore, Mrs C J [0.25cm]
4. ↑ Death date: headstone inscription
5. ↑ The Ryerson Index to death notices and obituaries in Australian newspapers Home Page (accessed 4 Aug 2023)
   Death Notice: Catherine Jean (Kate) WOOLMORE, 20 Jul 1996 Death; published The Age (Melbourne), 23 Jul 1996
   Funeral Notice: Catherine Jean (Kate) WOOLMORE, 24 Jul 1996 Funeral; published The Age (Melbourne), 23 Jul 1996
6. ↑ Death, Burial "Find A Grave" Catherine Jean Woolmore Brighton General Cemetery, Caulfield South, Glen Eira City, Victoria, Australia

• Personal recollection of events witnessed by Anthony Black as remembered 3 Aug 2023.
• ADB