Noteworthy and influential people who've died this year

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FILE - In this Dec. 14, 2004 file photo, the former head of the British Intelligence service Stella Rimington poses in her office in London. (AP Photo/Dave Caulkin, File)

August saw the death of Stella Rimington, the first female head of Britain’s MI5 intelligence agency.

Over the course of her time at MI5, Rimington overcame gender barriers and worked in each of the domestic security service's operational branches. She was also the inspiration for for Judi Dench’s portrayal of MI6 chief M in seven James Bond films.

The world also said goodbye last month to James Dobson, founder of the conservative Christian ministry Focus on the Family. Known for his opposition to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, he became a force for pushing