Can a squier be as good as a fender?

So here's the deal. I have a decent Fender Stratocaster that I love. However, sitting away in storage for years, I have a Squier Stratocaster that my mother bought my shortly before she ped away. It is approx. 1998 year. It is of sentimental value, and I know squier is fender's cheap beginners brand. But I just bought a vintage 1950s fender strat neck for it, and plan to put in a new loaded pickguard with lace sensor pickups in it. I know this may seem silly but this guitar is special to my just because it's from my beloved mother. I want to make it all that it can be. So uming I put in good pickups and with the 50's genuine fender neck, what else do I need to upgrade to make it a true fender and not a squier? Thanks!!!