Eighteen-year-old Fabris, commonly known as "Rosina," received several marriage proposals, as she was observed to be a dedicated, pious, and hardworking woman. Fabris declined, however, as she did not at that time consider herself called to marriage. In 1885, a tragic event occurred that would forever change her life. A young married woman near her home died leaving three young daughters. One of them died shortly after her mother. The other two, Chiara Angela and Italia, were only 20 months old and 2 months old, respectively. The children's father, Carlo Barban, was away caring for sick relatives. Fabris traveled to the home of these children every morning for six months, to care for them and maintain their home.