Daniel Tani is believed to be the first American astronaut to lose a close family member while in space, NASA spokeswoman Nicole Cloutier said.
Police said Rose Tani stopped behind a school bus at a railroad crossing and then drove around the vehicle, bypassing the lowered crossing gate. The train struck Tani's vehicle on the passenger side and pushed it down the tracks before stopping.
Paramedics took Rose Tani to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
"We'll never know why she did what she did and unfortunately he can't be home for this, to go through a period like this especially so close to the holidays," said Sue Cook, Lombard resident.
Daniel Tani learned of the tragedy while aboard the international space station. He was supposed to fly home aboard Atlantis on Wednesday, but the shuttle's flight was postponed until January due to a fuel gauge problem. The earliest he could return to Earth at this point is late next month.
"Before anyone launches, they understand that unfortunate things could happen and that's unfortunately part of the difficulties, hardships and risks of space flight," NASA spokesman Jim Rostohar said in Thursday's edition of the Chicago Tribune.
The Lombard community is grief stricken over the death of Rose Tani.
"The community's heart goes out to these people, and as a matter of fact, I'm going to go to church today, and Dan Tani and his family are going to be in my prayers," said Patty Cunneen, Lombard resident.
"I'm sorry that he's up in the space station for the funeral and the services and everything," said Tom Bowden, Lombard resident.
Lombard East High School students along with staff and faculty had a moment of silence to remember the mother of one of their more famous graduates, NASA astronaut Daniel Tani.
Since some students witnessed the crash, crisis counselors were called in to help them cope with the accident.
"Their reaction was surprise, shock. They needed to process what they saw, because obviously they saw the accident was very serious," said Robert McBride, principal, Glenbard East H.S.
Rose Tani was the mother to five children and raised Daniel as a single parent.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved.
