A year since my friend left. How can I honor her memory?

She was one of my dearest friends. It’s been almost a year since she passed, and her anniversary is coming up soon. I’m Hindu, from Hyderabad, but she was Muslim and her family lives in another state. I learned so much about Islam just by watching her-not through words, but through her beautiful character. I still look up to her for that. A lot of who I am today, and who I hope to become, is because of her. Since she left, I’ve been giving charity in her name. I did it because it felt right to keep her memory alive, but honestly, I never checked if it’s proper in Islam. I’d rather ask and seem a bit clueless than just keep guessing. So, is giving sadaqah on her behalf acceptable? And is there anything else I can do on that day to remember her? Also, would it be too much if I wrote to her family, or would that bring them some comfort? I’m not looking for a grand gesture. I just want that day to be a time when she’s remembered well. She was so kind to me, and I want to return that kindness. JazakAllah khair for any advice.