Who is Beth Mandella from The Forever War and what is their importance?

Beth Mandella is Mandella's mother. Once he arrives back on Earth after his first campaign, he stays with her for a brief period until he discovers that she is in a relationship with another woman. The next time Mandella sees her, it is only for four days, after which she dies due to her documented lack of importance to society. Her death is the final straw that sends Mandella back into UNEF.