Denise...I'm sorry to hear about your family's loss.
Your mention of Seal Rock, though, reminded me of a couple of things:
-- That it's been a while since I was down to the beach there. Such unique geology, it's a real treat at low tide, and it's one of my favorite spots on the Oregon coast.
-- The last time I was there, I did a great hike along Sweet Creek, near Florence. Lots of waterfalls formed from horizontally fractured rock, nice sharp ledges, and a nice stream/forest walk, even though it was raining the day I did it.
I'll recommend Sweet Creek for a field trip from either Newport or Eugene...I think it's about the same distance from both. And the beach at Seal Rock is a great choice from Newport.
--Greg