It was the toughest year of her life — but Ieshea Francis remained a brilliant mom throughout.

The 39-year-old was rewarded yesterday when she was named the island’s Mother of the Year by the Continental Society of Bermuda.

She had been nominated by her daughter, Jahniya, 10, who wrote an essay explaining how their family had been rocked by the death of her son, Jahcari, last July.

Jahniya wrote: “It was the worst year of our lives.

“She would not eat anything and she would cry sometimes, but when the funeral came it was even worse.

“Everybody was crying and the hardest part was when they had to put him down in the grave. It was like the worst year of our life. I think my mom should be mother of the year because she has taken care of me and my other brother, who has been there for the two of us too.

“She gets us food and makes sure we have everything we need. She always makes sure we have supplies for the house. As bad as our life has been, it is turning into good.”

Ms Francis was presented with her award at Victor Scott Primary School yesterday.

She had been told her daughter had won an essay, but had no idea about the nature of the letter. She said: “I’m happy. I feel blessed, but completely surprised.

“I was called about two weeks ago and they said Jahniya wrote an essay which beat out more than 100 other entries. I didn’t know it was about me until they said it this morning. I’m just overwhelmed.”

The award was presented by representatives of the Continental Society, who said that entries from all of the island’s public schools were judged by a panel, including education minister Diallo Rabain.

The Continental Society presented Ms Francis and Jahniya with a gift basket and a range of gift certificates.