In the latter case the donor provides the family's name and address to the charity at the time the gift is made. Even if you don't make a gift, a note or card to the deceased's family expressing your thoughts of the deceased is a welcome gesture, especially if you weren't able to attend the funeral.
If the pedal is still mushy or slowly sinks under pressure, with the outlet ports blocked, the master cylinder is bad. With the ports plugged, if the brake pedal is very high and firm, the problem is not with the cylinder.
Your brake fluid level does fall normally with the years as your disc pads and rotors wear down, leaving the caliper pistons further and further extended in the cylinder. If you have rear brake shoes and drums, their wearing will make the pedal softer and softer, but the return springs may keep the reservoir level up. But the usual reason for the fluid level to drop through the bottom, especially in cases of outright brake failure, is a leak in the hydraulic system.