I am sorry for your loss. My dad passed in January as well and these past few months have been very difficult. I would encourage you to work on this quilt but only if it doesn't cause stress. Sometimes just the business that goes along with one's passing can be overwhelming. Your mom would not want to cause you stress. However, if you find working on the quilt to be comforting, then hope to it!! Give it a try and see how it goes. If it's difficult then maybe plan a small trip and finish it then. Don't worry too much about sticking to mom's birthday - maybe the anniversary of her death would be good. But do try to work on and see how it goes. Please let us know.