The headlines were very similar for Spirit and Opportunity, even going so far as to attribute "last words" to Opportunity. NPR posted the headline "NASA's Mars Rover Opportunity Is Officially Declared Dead". People tend to anthropomorphize these things. It's not scientifically correct, but it does make them more approachable. It's not meant to be offensive so much as sympathetic and respectful. The sub-heading is "But it leaves behind a long-lasting legacy after its eight years in space." Lots of space enthusiasts in the US (and I'm sure elsewhere) are happy to see successful missions regardless of the flag they launch under, and MOM certainly was.