I have never wondered where they go after the person dies. I did make my Grandmother a quilted pillow with cross stitch in the center. It was a large pillow because she needed it to help keep her body partially upright when she slept. When she passed my sister made sure she got it back and gave it to me. I really didn't care if I got it back. It is something that is too big to display so It sits in the back of my closet. I will use it someday.