Hmmm -- I see potential for at least l8 RAK's going out soon. Don't forget to punch a few holes in the boxes.
But seriously, what a fantastic life your aunt has experienced. I bet she could tell some wonderful stories. And it sounds like somewhere in her treasure heap are some amazing finds with more amazing backgrounds. There should be some kind of cat rescue in the area, privately run, that could help you deal with the "pride" since I don't think that's all that uncommon a situation. If I lived closer, I could be persuaded to take a couple off your hands. I'm so sorry to hear about the whole situation. I went thru a similar situation a few years back with a very dear friend. When she entered the hospital I had to call her only offspring, a son who was a preacher in Texas, living less than 3 hours away, to come to her side while she was still coherent. Very tragic ... but your aunt is blessed by having people who love her enough to care by her bedside. Bless you all.