I love these stories, and am sorry for the loss of your friend, but what a beautiful gift to leave you!
Three years ago, my sister (a non-sewer) bought our grandmother a selection of 12 fabrics for Christmas. Different colors, different qualities. Our grandmother died the following March and the fabrics were never even taken out of the box. I asked my mom if I could have them. I used the fabrics to make my sister a "Sister's Choice" quilt for the following Christmas. It was a great way to tie the three of us together.
I think sometimes the least of what goes into a quilt is the fabric...the love, the memories, the attachment to family and history...are all so much more important. I need to go wipe my eyes now... :)