Town, Celtics say goodbye to Heather Walker

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Hundreds of family members, friends and members of the Celtics organization gathered on May 5 to celebrate the life of Marblehead mom and Celtics VP Heather Walker, who passed away last month after a nearly two-year battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. She was 52.

“It’s ironic that we’re here to honor Heather right in the middle of the playoffs,” said Celtics team chaplain Rev. Robert Gray with a smile. “I think she pulled some strings.”

Several members of the Celtics front office filled the deck at the Eastern Yacht Club where the memorial was held. Tacko Fall, who played with the team from 2019 to 2021, came to pay respects. Celtics President Rich Gotham spoke about the day he was introduced to Walker at an event.

“She told me, ‘Oh, you have to hire me. I’d be perfect.’ And, in fact, she was. It’s true to say that the Celtics would never be the same,” he said.

Walker worked with the Celtics as vice president of public relations for 16 years before her illness, partnering with players to promote the team. When the Celtics won the NBA championship in 2008, she grew especially close with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and James Posey.

The team honored Walker as a “Hero Among Us” last year. And in a game right after she died, Celtics players wore special T-shirts with a heart and Walker’s initials.

Gotham read notes from several Celtics top brass, praising Walker for her kindness, warmth and energy.

“She was known as ‘Hurricane Heather,’” he said to laughs in the room.

Gotham also announced that the Celtics would name the team’s media room in Walker’s honor.

President Biden’s message

After her diagnosis, Walker