How not to write a soman's obituary

At the risk of sounding like someone who “can’t let it go” — a feminist’s badge of honor if ever there were one — I’d like to offer a few tips on how to write obituaries about accomplished women in America.

It’s a short list really.

1) Take a moment to read the March 30 New York Times’ obituary for rocket scientist Yvonne Brill, in which she is celebrated first and foremost for her cooking and years of tagging along with her husband.

2) Vow never, ever to do that.

That pretty much covers it. Otherwise, you’re going to be on the receiving end of a Twitter war you cannot �...