My son prepared for a spelling competition last year which took lots of work and patience for both the student and the instructor. We have since abandoned spelling for math related events and left it to a brother/sister team from his school who usually do well at the state competion. Two years to a national event is very impressive.
Your mother must have been very special. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Prayers for comfort, joy, and peace as well as the hope of a blessed reunion one day in heaven.