offer them to other beaders? They can take them apart, maybe?

Put up a sign at the local craft store, if they have a bulletin board.

(you mean like these?)
http://www.mymcpl.org/_uploaded_resources/imagecache/blog_wide_thumb/3-3-_Basketsrev.jpg

Etsy?

If they are anything like the ones in the link above, I wouldn't be interested. But I've seen people selling interesting stuff there if the merchandise/crafts is marketed well.

The craft store - That's a great idea! Yeah...they are similar, but not made with safety pins. The beds are wired together.
There are literally hundreds of them - all different kinds and colors. It seems such a shame to just toss them. I thought about calling some nursing homes and asking them if they want the baskets. I thought about making them up with candy or little personal items and giving them to the residents.

I'd post an ad on Craigslist under "free". Put them out on the curb to first come, first serve.

Local elementary school art teachers! They are constantly spending half of their own salaries on supplies, and it wouldn't hurt to check whether they could use these beads in some of their class projects.

Good luck - the hoards of the deceased can be a terrible burden to loved ones, glad you're bearing up well. :)