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July 23, 1924 - January 9, 2015 Lifelong activist and widow of actor Jack Albertson, Wallace passed to spirit peacefully at home. Born June Wallace Thomson to Margaretta Maloney and Peter Smart Thomson in Pittsburgh, Pa. A graduate of University of Pittsburgh (BA in English) and Columbia University ( MS in Journalism). After a stint modeling ( Miss Subways in 1946), she landed a job at NBC, writing for radio and television. As Miss NBC, she turned down a screen test, to pursue her writing career. Wallace married Jack on Halloween, 1952. Moving to Los Angeles, she opened an import firm, Pan America House, with mother Margo Thomson, studied painting with Sueo Serisawa, and co-founded Women's Strike For Peace in 1960. Active in Civil Rights, she founded interracial dialogues at Operation Bootstrap, and was a strong supporter of LGBT issues. At UCLA she earned an MA in Speech and PhD (ABD) Speech/Communications. Wallace was first woman president of California Democratic Council 1975-1981. She was elected to the Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees 1977-1989 and served on the California State University Board of Trustees 1978-1986. As a Producer, she earned an MFA from the American Film Institute. Before retiring, Wallace served as a Trustee of the Vincent Price Art Museum, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and on AIDS Healthcare Foundation's Board of Directors. Articulate champion of many causes, she was the change she wished to see in the world. Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate her life, an inspiration to us all. She is survived by her daughter, Maura Dhu Studi, son in law Wes Studi, grandson Kholan, brother William Thomson (Wynn), cousins Katie Bellomo (Joe) and Gerald Taylor (Shelley), dear friends Sheri Foster Blake and Rowland Dixon. Our gratitude to her angels Corinna Herrera and Heather Ward. Memorial to be announced at a later date. Donations in Wallace's name may be made to AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Watching old reruns of a game show with Jack Albertsons and Game host Bert Convy she gave answers that allowed us to see the heart she had for life and love.
Richard Bridges
December 26, 2020
What a life Mrs. Albertson lived. Although I did not her personally, I want to extend my condolences to her Family and friends. Sincerely, Lee
April 28, 2015
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
April 27, 2015
May you find peace in the words of Jesus, at John 5:25," Most truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have paid attention will live". Ca.
April 27, 2015
Oh, Wallace. I miss your optimism and humor. I miss you.
James Chressanthis, ASC, GSC
April 26, 2015
Wallace was an amazing lady. I am so proud that I got to know her. Maura I send my sympathy and condolences to you Wes and Kholan.
Larry B Stevenson
April 26, 2015
My deepest condolence goes out to the family during this difficult time. May God provide you with the strength and comfort you need as you cope with your loss. (Psalms 9:9)
Marie
April 26, 2015
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