I found a song called "You'll Never Miss Your Mother Till she's gone" at the American Memory Collection of the Library of Congress. Apparently, it isn't the one that was a pretty big hit for a number of recording artists in the 1920's. Stewie posted that one in the message above.
-Joe Offer-

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YOU'LL NEVER MISS YOUR MOTHER TILL SHE'S GONE
(words, George Cooper; music, Charles T. French)

Though life may seem with joys so bright
And flowers our pathway strew
There's one the heart should never slight
One whose love is gentle, enduring, and true
Cherish her with kindness
And cheer her when sad and lone
For your heart will learn with fond regret when too late
You'll never miss your mother till she's gone.

CHORUS:
Fondly smooth her silvery hair,
While here she wanders on
Oh, shield her loving heart from sorrow and care,
You'll never miss your mother till she's gone.

Her love the world can ne'er replace
No heart so dear, so pure
A refuge fond in her embrace
Never falling while love on earth shall endure
Dry her tears of sorrow
When anguish her heart has torn
Oh, not long her angel smile so sweet, here may bless
You'll never miss your mother till she's gone.

Then love her fondly while she's here
And shield her day by day
When life to her is sad and drear,
Soothe with words of kindness her sorrow away
Ne'er on earth forget her,
Sweet roses her pathway strew
For no love will bless the heart like hers, fond and true,
You'll never miss your mother till she's gone.

published in 1885

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