I had made a quilt for my mother when she was in a nursing home. She had Alzheimer's so didn't know any of us, or pretty much anything else either. Each time (yes, EACH time) I'd go to visit her (in another state), we would realize the quilt was missing from her room...it's so easy for stuff to move around, and I don't think it was really anybody's intention to steal it. So my brothers and I would go on a treasure hunt and eventually find the quilt. Since it had my mom's name on it, there was no question where it belonged, so we'd return it to her room.
She has since passed away, and I am sitting now with her quilt. She might never have been aware of its sentimental value, but I am, and I love having it and the memory associated with it.
I suspect you (or your MIL) will inherit the quilt someday, and will love it at least as much as it original recipient.
I realize this has nothing to do with your question...but it gives me comfort just telling the story.