Anna Rossi, mother of Marco and wife of Pietro, lives with her family in Genoa during Italy's 1881 economic depression. Financial hardships force Anna to emigrate alone to Argentina for work as a domestic servant, seeking income to support her family and settle debts stemming from Pietro's management of a charity hospital for the poor.

In Argentina, Anna initially finds employment with a wealthy Buenos Aires family through her distant relative, Francesco Merelli. She later moves with her employers to Tucumán. She maintains contact with her family in Italy via letters and remittances sent through Merelli. This communication stops abruptly when Anna falls gravely ill, though she minimizes her condition in her last letter. Her silence plunges Marco into distress, leading him to fear the worst.

Anna's illness reaches a critical point in Tucumán, leaving her too weak for a necessary surgery. Her condition worsens until Marco's arduous transatlantic journey ends in their reunion. The sight of Marco reignites her spirit, granting her the strength to endure and survive the operation. After recovering, Anna returns to Genoa with Marco, reuniting the family.

Her relationships reflect deep devotion and sacrifice. Her emigration highlights the strain caused by Pietro's charity work. Her absence profoundly impacts Marco, fueling his desperate search. Her reliance on Francesco Merelli exposes vulnerability, as he betrays her by intercepting her letters and funds. Anna's resilience shines through her recovery, intrinsically tied to Marco's presence and their powerful bond.