Sewing was her passion, obviously. She surrounded herself with people (I assume) and fabrics and an area that gave her peace and joy. More power to her. As for all the leftovers after her death... maybe a legacy to pass on of sorts? Fabric isn't cheap, and neither are good machines. My Grandmother, who no longer quilts due to arthritis, gave me the pick of her small stash, and I was very thankful. I'm glad she is still alive to see what I'm doing with the stash, but I can't help but feel a little bit of her going into projects whenever I use what she gave me. Perhaps the recipients of the older lady in OP feel the same? Her money, her stash, her choice. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with it. And like I said, if I was one of her decendents, I would treasure whatever I inherited from it.