Last week, Opinionbypen lost an outstanding contributor, Zee. After 95 years on Earth, she decided it was time to move on. Zee had a wide variety of life experiences. The unifying thread throughout her life was her love of books and writing. Her experience as both an editor and a reporter positioned her well for blog writing. I felt fortunate she was willing to share her wisdom with the rest of us. Probably her most challenging achievement was raising three very independent children. As you’ve already guessed, I was one of those three.

Despite all the grief I gave her while growing up, she commented on every post I wrote. With the exception of the technical posts, most of her comments were positive, but having spent much of her life as an editor, her comments also included a list of every mistake in the post. Gradually, that list became shorter and shorter.

Remaining true to my independent nature, I argued with her several times over word selection and usage. Although I only managed to win once, I acquired a number of very useful reference books I still use today. When I suggested that she share her experiences with the rest of us, she wrote News Reporters or News Fabricators.

Okay, I admit it. I went over her copy with a fine-tooth comb looking for mistakes. You already know I found none. A contributor was born.

Opinionbypen is fortunate to have four posts written by her:

• News Reporters or News Fabricators?
• Wanted: A Women’s Magazine for the Rest of Us
• Dear Engineer Who Ignores My Words (A rebuttal to Are the Engineers in Your Life Ignoring You? What You Can Do About It)
• The Me Too Movement: One Woman’s Opinion

She left me with a love of reading coupled with a very inquisitive nature. In addition, she encouraged me to follow my own path as an electrical engineer despite her hatred of technology.

Her guidance and encouragement will be missed. Although she won’t be writing any more posts for Opinionbypen, her influence and words will remain in every post I write.

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