I would have the executor/executrix/administrator of the estate take the phone to law enforcement and see if there is anything they can do to unlock it for you. Swipes/PINs/passwords are the hardest because they are local on the device, and probably not something that google can provide (like a password change or
access to the deceased person's email).
I'd also try what Alaric mentioned and see if you can't plug it in and pull files that way, which might not be possible depending on their settings (i.e. if you have to change it from charging to file transfer mode, you'll probably need the swipe/PIN/password).
Also +1 to hoping it's a generic question, and if not sorry for your loss.