Why does ma consider Mrs Holton an unfortunate soul

Thigs have not gone well for Mrs. Holton. She has two small daughters. Her husband, John, is a slave in Virginia, and she is waiting for him to join her. When she finds out that John has been whipped to death, she gives the money she has been saving to Mr. Leroy so that he can buy his family from slavery. Mr. Leroy carves a plaque for Mrs. Holton to commemorate her husband. She is a kind woman and a close friend to Elijah's mother.