During the time of the Patria Vieja ("Old Republic"), she became the firmest supporter of her family in their struggle to achieve an independent Chile.

Women often acted as couriers, petitioners, activists, spies, and other roles that supported the movement for Chilean independence.

She lived first in the city of Mendoza, was jailed in Luján, later was imprisoned in a convent in Buenos Aires by pro-San Martin forces, who were allied with O'Higgins and were enemies of the brothers Carrera.

Once in Chile, she dedicated all her energies to having her brothers' bodies, who had been buried in the Claustro de la Caridad in Mendoza, repatriated.

Together with them, she traveled to the United Provinces of Río de la Plata, lived in Mendoza and later moved to Buenos Aires where she was received by the priest Bartolomé Tollo, an old friend of the family.

[6] She directed the so-called "conspiracy of 1817" against O'Higgins, which ultimately meant the execution of her brothers Luis and Juan José in 1818, in Mendoza.

She remained in retirement until her last days on herd estate in El Monte, concentrating on domestic life and charitable works.

Maria Graham, Miguel Luis Amunátegui, Vicente Grez and Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna wrote works that highlighted her patriotism and the defense of her brothers, portraying her as a strong, determined and educated woman.