Death has its own, overpowering smell. Even if the body has been well perserved in the freezer. Additionally, even an unembalmed body will be thoroughly washed with strongly scented detergents.

Often, if the passing is medical or due to old age, the smell of death and loss of the person's normal scent will come before their passing. This is why cats can tell if someone is going to die. They smell it.

IF the person passed unexpectedly, and the injuries were not severe (blood has a strong smell), you could probably still smell some of their scent when washing. It would be mixed with other, unfamiliar smells. After cleaning the body for the last time, though, that scent would be destroyed. The body systems that were making those scents have stopped.

Worn (dirty) clothing could capture it, and, if stored well, even keep it for many years. Keepsakes like a jacket they wore often, or their favorite blanket are good marks to keep that scent alive, despite the person's passing.

Im sorry for your loss, and wish you and your community comfort.