After my lengthy and thorough summary about my earlier posting, I just
received an email that suggested that my great-aunt Ethel may have been the
biological child of one of my great-grandparents, adopted (formally or informally)
by the other.

This actually makes perfect sense, and I never considered this possibility.

Still, there are mysteries remaining that I must accept will never be
solved. Why did the biological parent allow her to be treated so poorly? >from
where did the money come? And why did they apparently break all contact with a
large extended family in Europe after reaching New York?

As I already wrote earlier, it's time to let Aunt Ethel rest in peace.

Thanks again!

Judy Segal
New York City