he deaths of both William Seton, Sr. and Dr. Bayley, followed by severe financial problems, strained the already frail health of Elizabeth's beloved William. A voyage to Italy, taken with the hope of restoring his health, resulted rather in his death, leaving Elizabeth at twenty-nine years old, a widow with five children.

After William's burial, Elizabeth and Annina, her oldest daughter, were received into the home of the Filicchis, William's friends and business associates. Here she was introduced to Catholicism and one year after her return to America, Elizabeth Seton was received into the Catholic Church in St. Peter's on Barclay Street. Her conversion alienated her from her family and friends making it all the more difficult to support her five children.