How do I find my mother's parents through DNA since she died in 1983?

Question

I knew her adoptive parents and they are deceased also.

Answer 1

Hi Carol, you will need to do an autosomal DNA test and then start analyzing matches to determine your mother's birth parents.  The more sites with which you can test, the better.  And upload your results to Gedmatch.com (free to do so).  And join some Facebook groups for adoptees, perhaps seeking the assistance of an adoption angel.  Here's one suggestion (you have to apply to join):  https://www.facebook.com/groups/DNADetectives/

Answer 2

Carol, I see that you have tested, and that you've been wondering about this question for some time.  Nellie and Lillie were sisters, is that right?  

If you have strong DNA connections to their family, the theory that Nellie could be your biological grandmother seems to make sense.  I assume Nellie had no children of her own?  Are there any surviving family members (or their descendants) that could give you any information?  Did Lillie have children of her own, whose descendants could be tested?  Did she and Nellie have other siblings?

(P.S.  Unless you've taken an mtDNA test, I'd remove the mitochondrial tag.)

Answer 3

Hi Carol,

It is possible to figure out your Mother's parents through your DNA depending on the number of quality matches you have. It's not necessarily an easy task, nor is it a quick one, but it's possible.

There are many tools available to help sort through your DNA matches and eliminate the ones associated with your father so you can focus entirely on you Mom's side of the family. Having a tester from your Dad's side can quickly eliminate these matches in short order. Using X-matched DNA available from matches at FTDNA and 23andMe also help identify who is related through your Mom.

If DNA is not your thing, as mentioned in another comment, DNA Detectives on Facebook and WikiTree Adoption Angels are available to assist.

Good Luck and please don't hesitate to PM me if you want assistance getting started.