This is a pretty good obituary. Maybe I liked it because of my fascination with the former USSR, or that I love stories in which the plight of a whole people --without stripping each of his/her individuality-- is presented.

We're given the history of her family's exile, which mirrors the lives of so many back then.
By using bits of writing from the deceased's books, the author does a lot of showing rather than telling.

And finally, the picture included in the article is an endearing one.
Overall effect? I wish I could've met this lady.