The Amazing Julia Child

Julia Child made the cooking skills of French cuisine accessible to American women. That should be an impressive enough resume. She didn't start cooking or get married until she was 40. But, it was just released that she was part of an international spy ring working for the OSS (forerunner to the CIA). First, she attempted to sign up for Women Accepted for Emergency Services. She was rejected because she was too tall (6'2"). After that, on forms she listed herself as 6 feet tall. Among other things, she helped develop a shark repellent to coat submerged bombs with. That way sharks that set off bombs wouldn't warn nearby enemy ships.
See this short article by the associated press and this longer article in Military officer magazine.
Oh and she went to Smith College. Gotta love a Smithie.