Services Set For Mass Mom, Celtics VP Who Died From Aggressive Brain Cancer

Funeral services have been scheduled for a mother from the North Shore and longtime Boston Celtics employee who lost her battle with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer last month.

David Cifarelli

05/02/2023 1:00 p.m.

A memorial service for Heather Walker will be held at the Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead between 12-3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 5, her obituary reads. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the #Move4Heather campaign or to the education of her daughters Sammy and Taylor.

"Heather will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues at the Celtics and the entire Marblehead community," her obituary reads. "Her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched and the legacy of kindness and generosity she leaves behind."

Walker's death was announced in Facebook post on Wednesday, April 26, as previously reported by Daily Voice. The 52-year-old was born in Winchester and raised in Manchester-by-the Sea, according to her obituary.

Walker went to Manchester High School before attending the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She was hired as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Rack in 1996 and joined the Boston Celtics as the Director of Public Relations in 2006.

"Heather created strong bonds with countless Celtics players, helping them balance community appearances and media responsibilities," her obituary continued. "Working her way to a Senior Vice President role, Heather was never shy about taking a younger player under her wing and had an ever-watchful eye as they navigated the new world of the NBA."

When Walker was diagnosed with Glioblastoma in 2021, her family launched the #Move4Heather campaign. The campaign raised over $640,000 dollars for Glioblastoma Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where Walker received treatment.

Last year, the Celtics honored Walker as the "Hero Among Us" during a game at TD Garden. Walker and her family were brought to center court where they were met with a standing ovation.

"Our hearts and sympathy are with Heather’s loving family and friends, whom she cherished," the Celtics said on Twitter. "She will remain part of our fabric for as long as the Celtics go on."

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