Anne of Green Gables: an orphan

How important is it to the story that Anne is an orphan? Would the book have the same impact if she were just an ordinary little girl living on Prince Edward Island, with the same spirit and imagination?

I think it's an important part of the book because Anne causes Marilla and Matthew to change and open their hearts so much. Although Anne has a way of finding kindred spirits, and probably would have befriended Matthew even if she'd always lived on the Island, I think she touches Matthew and Marilla more by coming into their home.