I really like that Catwoman and the Joker's true origins have always been shrouded in mystery. Usually when iconic characters like Wolverine or Han Solo receive origins stories years after being introduced it's a let down.
That some of the details surrounding Selina's origin keep changing is what makes her background a tad mysterious or convoluted, especially if you don't follow her exploits in the comics religiously. Nevertheless, if you're looking for some consistency based on most of what we've been told about her thus far, here's what you get as I see it.
- Selina Calabrese is born to Rex Calabrese, former head of the Italian mob in Gotham
- Carmine Falcone supplants Calabrese, forcing him to go on the run and leave Selina behind
- Selina, now a stray, ends up at the orphanage and the occasional foster home
- An Irish and Cuban couple, respectively Brian and Maria Kyle, become her foster parents for a short time before Selina goes on the run again
- Selina eventually discovers that she has ties to the Italian mob, suspecting Carmine and Louisa Falcone to be her parents -- the trail runs cold
- Years later, Selina is finally reunited with her actual birth father, Rex Calabrese and temporarily assumes control of his criminal enterprise
She eventually parts ways with Calabrese, and we enter the Rebirth era.