It's a sad situation, and you've certainly found out that the "no-kill" facade of animal rescue isn't really that. People will tell you that some animal shelter will be able to take them, but the fact of the matter is, shelters are overwhelmed. We like to believe that heartwarming stories of animal rescue are the norm, but the fact of the matter is, suffering, cultural indifference and immorality, and death is the reality. Cats die in the millions at shelters - healthy, vibrant animals, even kittens - and you and I never see it.
My suggestion is to seriously talk to this woman. See if there is something you can do to help out - perhaps it will prevent the inevitable. Shelters are probably not the answer. People want kittens - age at a shelter is nearly a death sentence in and of itself. I would try putting-up adoption posters in veterinarian offices. Include heart wrenching stories! Make sure the cats have fantastically cute names (even if you have to change them) like Jellybean, Cupcake, Banjo, or for the pair, Ruff and Tumble. Take a really great picture - use uncluttered backgrounds, and put them in a basket, throw them in a pile of stuffed animals, or by a flower pot. People want something young and fresh!
It's great to hear that you are doing everything you can to help these individual cats, but I have to admit, I'm a cynic. The feline population is dying and suffering in record numbers, and with so many people like the woman you know in the world, the problem is only deepening.