In the 1911 census she is living with her widowed aunt in Rawtenstall; she is 20 years old and born in Norwich, so born 1890-91.

The birth of May Lily Sistern was registered in Norwich in 1890 Q2.

May Sistern appears in the 1891 census for Norwich living with her widowed mother Sarah and siblings William, Caroline, Arthur and George. Sarah and the oldest children appear in the 1881 census for Lakenham along with Sarah's husband, 27 year old railway labourer William.