Why Did Louisa May Alcott Take On Her Sister's Child?

Louisa May Alcott had a younger sister May, who married in 1878 and had a daughter Louisa `Lulu' May Nieriker (named after Louisa Alcott). Unfortunately, May died a year later and Lulu moved in with Louisa.
Although her financial success meant that they no longer suffered in poverty, Louisa's family life was fraught with tragedy. Her younger sister Elizabeth contracted scarlet fever and died. Then her mother expired, and then her youngest sister May died due to complications after childbirth (suspected meningitis). As per May's wishes, Louisa raised Lulu in Concord. For the next eight years, Lulu became her joy and inspiration. She gave Louisa a purpose and a sense of fulfillment. Her last story was a parable based on Lulu. Louisa died on, March 6 1888 and Lulu returned to Europe. She lived a long life settled down in Germany and eventually died there.