Glad your fixed up with A/C!
I had a feeling it was the capacitor when I read your first post the other day. We had it happen 2 times. One tip our A/C guy gave me... because it is usually the high heat that kills the capacitor... make sure the airflow around your unit is clear. The biggest culprit is grass and dirt that gets trapped in the "fins" and blocks the airflow. A good rinse with a garden hose is a must before using the system in the spring.
About your mom's reaction to not having A/C... I totally understand where she's coming from because I get what I call a "trapped feeling like I can't breathe" reaction when I get overheated. Because of MS, that feeling can hit me when it's only 80degrees. For me it is the same flight or fright type of reaction I get from claustrophobia. Next time, recommend she stand in front of the open refrigerator for relief.