Good for you for thinking of what she would have wanted! You'll have photos and memories - and what a great way to remember her!
Another suggestion to throw out there - we visited San Diego around that time last year. The weather was beautiful - the zoo is great, there's a wild animal park I didn't go to, the ocean is fabulous in La Jolla (and there are seals and sea lions), there's great biking, you can do a day trip to the mountains, etc.
I still want to visit Seattle - our trip this year didn't happen because we erred on the side of staying home with a sick kitty. However, I'll have time off in late March/early April and might think about it then. It's the top of my list - just wanted to throw another option out there.
CA
Most days in life don't stand out, But life's about those days that will...