May 21, 1943 – December 19, 2024
With deep love and respect, we honor the life of Samantha Jones Wallace, who peacefully passed away on December 19, 2024, in Fairfield, Iowa, surrounded by the warmth of her family and community. She was the cherished wife of Dr. Robert Keith Wallace, founding president and President Emeritus of Maharishi International University (MIU). Samantha’s life was one of remarkable grace, warmth, and devotion.
Born on May 21, 1943, Samantha was a distinguished model, actress, artist, author, and editor. As a top fashion model in the 1960s, she graced the covers of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Look magazines, becoming a recognized face of the era’s style and elegance. Samantha also studied acting under Lee Strasberg in New York, appearing in films such as Wait Until Dark with Audrey Hepburn.
However, it was her deep commitment to personal growth and holistic well-being that shaped her most enduring contributions. In 1976, Samantha married Dr. Robert Keith Wallace, and together they built a life dedicated to knowledge and service. She was a longtime practitioner of Transcendental Meditation and a passionate advocate for Ayurveda. Samantha and Keith co-authored multiple books including Total Brain Coaching, Dharma Parenting, Gut Crisis, and The Rest and Repair Diet.
Samantha leaves an enduring imprint on MIU community and beyond.
Honoring Samantha’s Legacy
In recognition of Samantha’s belief in the value of Maharishi’s knowledge, the Wallace family has created an initiative to support student scholarships through MIU’s Annual Fund.
Through your generosity, you can honor Samantha’s life and the Wallace family’s extraordinary contributions to MIU. Your support will not only provide scholarships to future students, but will also strengthen the university to which Samantha and Keith have devoted their lives.
Samantha is survived by her beloved husband, Dr. Robert Keith Wallace, their children, Eden, Ted, Gareth, and Lila, and grandchildren, Collin, Aidan, Jayce, Kyran, Tiana, and Myka.
As we celebrate Samantha’s extraordinary life, we invite you to honor her memory by supporting the scholarship fund she so cherished. Your generosity will help carry forward her vision of a brighter, more connected world.
With heartfelt gratitude, we thank all who join us in honoring Samantha’s legacy. Her inspiration will shine brightly in the hearts of all who loved her, and in the future of MIU, whose mission she deeply cherished.