Speaking as a mother of two, best anime mom ever is Kaname Junko, mother to Kaname Madoke in Puella Magi Madoka Magika. Independent, smart, and wise. She fulfills her own wishes; incubators need not apply. Even her daughter finds her scary. Watching that scene in the shelter in Ep 11 when Junko gives Madoka the push to go out into the Walpurgis storm still sends chills up my spine.
And yes, a runner up for best anime mom ever, looking at it from the evil side, is Ryoko's mom in Kill-la-Kill. She is so deliciously evil, isn't she?
Thank you to everyone posting thoughts on this topic. I'll be taking up all the stories you mention. I'm always on the lookout for good moms to enjoy sharing my time with. :-)