So strange that it had a happy ending, of sorts. I read this sort of thing and assume the worst.

If anything, I'm more curious about her life now: what's it like to come back after something like that, what was she doing in the meantime, does she retain her flair for research, or even hold those sorts of pursuits in any kind of regard?

Maybe this is what it's like to enjoy biographies shrug

I wouldn't so much say a happy ending. The article about her returning speaks about her desire to not burden anyone in her life with her physical pain and instead suffered through poverty.

"Unable to work because of it and subsequent injuries, she had long lived in poverty, sustained largely by the religion she had come to early in the decade."

I wonder what religion this is. One is quick to think Scientology, but to make such an assumption is too quick and heavy-handed I fear. It seems to be the best outcome, but not one that is pleasant at all.

That would be the last religion I would expect to financially support an individual absent any work. Especially considering the widespread critiques by past members pointing to the fact it's a pay-to-play type of arrangement. Unless of course she reached some high ranking hierarchy before becoming dependent.

Otherwise there are countless religions which fit this category in the US. Many with a strong history in running almshouses: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almshouse

Oh dear! I've just realized that she was sustained by her religion, I thought her religion was creating the poverty!