The Red Raven is estimated born c. 1920. As his first appearance (August, 1940) , depicts his 20th birthday. His mother was probably born at the turn of the century.
In c. 1925, the Mother and her five-year old son boarded a flight which would take them across the Pacific Ocean (later retcons mention the Atlantic Ocean instead). During a storm, the airplane went out of control. The mother had just enough time for a silent prayer. Then the airplane collided with Aerie, the flying island. She was killed along with everyone on board. Except her son.
Her last wish was for the safety of her son. It is left unclear if his survival was a result of said wish.