I'd ask "what does that mean?", because it can go a few different ways, on one hand this lady could be the sweet encouraging type, but if she's anything like my mom she could be the demanding type using "because I said so" as justification.
You can be an actual mom (or not) and be a professional in high-level stuff. That kind of talk and broader sorta attitude or involvement is not congruent with such at either a philosophical or practical level. So, I would be bewildered and uncomfortable and think she was possessed by an earthy low-level person.
The oldest person at my job is 62. My manage is only 40. If she was like a mother to her…nope. She trained that little twit, who does she think she is?
I'd ask "what does that mean?", because it can go a few different ways, on one hand this lady could be the sweet encouraging type, but if she's anything like my mom she could be the demanding type using "because I said so" as justification.