'I know my mum is scared of flying too so I wondered what would she do in that situation.'
Always best to take advice from an expert!
On a serious note, did the captain come out into the departure lounge to explain the situation and assuage any concern? I am sorry to say that the tone and style used by gate staff in this kind of situation is not exactly expert, neither is it reassuring.
Intelligent passengers often sit there and think 'ok, so he doesn't know what he's talking about, but at least the flight crew do'.