I am so sorry for your loss. I have worked in the nursing home environment for over 15 years now and have seen this happen many times around a holiday or a birthday. You mentioned that "everyone went to see her, though she did not recognize any of them". I truely believe that on some level she knew her family was there. I don't want my comment to come across as cold hearted because it is not....often times when a person in a nursing home is close to passing away they are just "waiting" to see that one last family member or be around the family. I am not all knowing by any means, I have just seen this happen so many times. I guess what I am trying to say is I think she did know everyone was there and that she was comforted in that. My thoughts are with you and your family.