The Story Of Mother's Day Access

Following Ann's death in 1905, her daughter, , vowed to fulfill her mother's dream of a day dedicated to honoring the private sacrifices of mothers.

: In the 1850s, Ann organized clubs to teach women how to properly care for their children and improve sanitation to combat high infant mortality rates. The Story of Mother's Day

: She spent the rest of her life and her entire inheritance fighting to have the holiday rescinded. Ironically, she died penniless in a sanitarium in 1948, with her care reportedly paid for by members of the floral and greeting card industries. Following Ann's death in 1905, her daughter, ,

Watch this detailed episode for an in-depth look at the life of Anna Jarvis and the evolution of the holiday: Ironically, she died penniless in a sanitarium in

: On May 10, 1908, Anna held the first official Mother's Day service at St. Andrew's Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. She sent 500 white carnations—her mother's favorite flower—to the church for the occasion.

Anna Jarvis envisioned Mother's Day as a day of personal, heartfelt sentiment. She trademarked the phrase "Mother's Day"—specifically using the singular possessive to emphasize the individual's honor for their own mother.