Definitive reference for tire widths? Is there a reference/source/method for definitively determining the width of a bicycle tire without actually having it in hand?

I ride a 2009 Jamis Aurora which came stock with 32 mm Vittoria Randonneurs.  I wore the rear tire through, so I did some research on new tires and the 35 mm Schwalbe Marathon Mondial sounded like it fit my needs.  Googling around forums, I gathered that it would be fine to put a 35 mm tire on the Aurora.  This turned out to be not true -- it seized up against the frame right away.  Interestingly, the contact was actually on the chain stay, not the seat stay.

I'm a little bummed out by that, but I put the Mondial on the front (which fit fine) and threw the (formerly front tire) Vittoria Randonneur on the rear.  Having now riden on the the Mondial, it makes  huge difference: it feels way nicer than the Randonneurs.  I want to know what I can replace my remaining Randonneur with, but am concerned about it seizing up?

For the record my rim width is 20 mm.

On a side note, doesn't it seems odd that a 'Touring' frame cannot support a 35mm tire?
I have had similar issues with mountain bike tires. While the industry seems to have done a good job of standardizing rim sizes, tire width seems to vary. One brands 2.0 inch tire can be larger than another brands 2.1. Of course there is some variances with rim widths and tire pressure and tread design, but overall it seems there are no meaningful standards for width. This is where a good relationship with your local shop can be helpful. They may allow you to try sizes and brands to find a good fit. The added cost of buying locally may be offset by not paying return shipping.