What Happened to Lori Matsuoka After Bill Walton’s Death?

Bill Walton was one of the most loved basketball players and sports broadcasters in the world. People knew him for his tall height, big smile, and love for the game. But behind that strong man was someone very special — Lori Matsuoka, his loving wife.

Lori stood by Bill’s side for over 30 years. While he was in the spotlight, she was quietly supporting him, helping others, and spreading kindness wherever she went. When Bill passed away in 2024, many people wondered — what happened to Lori Matsuoka after Bill Walton’s death?

In this article, we’ll look at Lori’s life — who she is, how she met Bill, what she did before and during their marriage, and how she is doing now. Her story is full of love, strength, and quiet inspiration.

Lori Matsuoka Quick Bio

Who Is Lori Matsuoka?

Lori Matsuoka is best known as the second wife of Bill Walton, the NBA Hall of Famer. But Lori is much more than just someone’s wife. She is kind, thoughtful, and has spent much of her life helping others and giving back to the world.

Lori is a philanthropist, which means she works to support good causes like helping animals, veterans, and children. She is also a writer and editor, sharing stories about people who make the world better. Lori never looked for fame, but her gentle heart has touched many people.

After Bill passed away in 2024, people became more curious about Lori. Many want to know where she is now, what she does, and how she is doing. Her story is one of quiet strength and deep love.

Lori Matsuoka’s Early Life and Family Background

Lori was born in March 1963 in Tracy, California, a small town in the United States. Her background is very special. She comes from a mixed family — Japanese, Chinese, and Hawaiian roots — which gave her a unique and rich culture growing up.

Her father worked hard on the farm, growing tomatoes for Heinz, vegetables for Del Monte, and almonds for Blue Diamond. Lori often talked about how much this simple farm life taught her. It helped her understand the value of hard work, caring for others, and staying humble.

From a young age, Lori saw how strong families are built with love and support. These lessons stayed with her as she grew older and became the kind of person who helps others without needing praise.

Lori Matsuoka’s Education and College Years

After high school, Lori went to one of the best schools in the country — the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). There, she studied sociology and business, two fields that helped her understand both people and the world of work.

During college, she joined student service groups. These are small organizations where students volunteer to help the community. This is when Lori found her true love — giving back. She learned that by simply giving her time and energy, she could help others feel better and grow stronger.

College didn’t just give her a degree. It opened her heart to the idea of service. It showed her that doing good for others can be a full and happy way to live.

Lori Matsuoka’s Corporate Career Before Fame

After college, Lori started working in the business world. She got jobs at big companies like Ray-Ban, Black & Decker, and Allergan Pharmaceuticals. She worked in sales and marketing, and she did very well in her job.

But something didn’t feel right. Even though she had a good salary and a successful job, she didn’t feel happy. She once said that she worked up to 80 hours a week, but still felt like something was missing inside.

She later shared that these jobs were just for the money — not for her heart. That’s when she started thinking about a big change in her life.

Leaving Corporate Life for Nonprofit Work

In 2002, Lori made a brave decision. She left her high-paying job and stepped into a new world — one filled with love, care, and service. She began working with Canine Companions for Independence, where she helped train service dogs for people with disabilities and veterans.

That was just the beginning. Lori soon joined hands with many other good causes. She worked with:

• The San Diego Symphony

• The Timken Museum of Art

• The San Diego Public Library Foundation

• And more…

Over time, she became a leader in her community. She served on 17 nonprofit boards and helped run over 27 big fundraisers. Lori’s new life was filled with meaning — and it made her feel alive.

How Did Lori Matsuoka Meet Bill Walton?

This part of the story is sweet and fun. Lori met Bill Walton in 1990, and their first meeting has two versions! Lori said they met backstage at a Grateful Dead concert. Bill joked that they met at “church” — because he saw Grateful Dead concerts as a spiritual experience.

They both loved music, especially the Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan. Bill once took Lori to seven Bob Dylan concerts in a row, just to see if she’d stick around. She did. And that’s when Bill knew she was the one.

Their love grew fast, and just one year later — in 1991 — they got married. That was the start of a beautiful life together.

Life with Bill Walton

Lori and Bill spent 33 years together, living in San Diego, California. Their home was filled with music posters, dogs, and love. While Bill had a big, loud personality, Lori was soft and steady — they were the perfect team.

When Bill had serious back problems, Lori was his biggest support. He went through pain that made it hard to walk or even move. Lori placed yellow sticky notes around the house with simple messages like “Today you sat up” or “You walked with a cane.” Those little notes gave him hope.

Bill often said that Lori saved his life during those tough times. Her kindness and belief in him helped him heal. Their story is proof that real love shows up when things are hard — not just when things are easy.

Step-Motherhood and Family Life

Lori Matsuoka never had children of her own, but she became a loving stepmother to Bill Walton’s four sons from his first marriage to Susan Guth. Their names are Adam, Nathan, Luke, and Chris. All four boys played basketball in college, and Luke Walton even made it to the NBA and became a coach.

Lori welcomed them into her heart and helped raise them with love and care. She showed up for family events, supported them from the sidelines, and was always there in quiet, thoughtful ways. Over the years, she also became a grandmother as the Walton family grew.

Bill once said, “We have six children and 14 grandchildren,” showing how close Lori was to his family. She wasn’t just a stepmom. She was truly part of the team — and they loved her for it.

Lori Matsuoka’s Role at Giving Back Magazine

Lori found her “dream job” as the Philanthropy Editor at Giving Back Magazine. She writes a weekly column called Feel Good Friday, where she shares kind stories about people and organizations doing good in the world.

In her own words, she said, “There are so many good people and nonprofits in the world that it’s my honor to highlight them every week.”

This role lets her shine a light on people who don’t always get noticed — volunteers, small charities, kind hearts. Lori uses her writing to lift others up and spread hope. It’s a perfect fit for someone who has spent her life helping others quietly, without needing the spotlight.

Bill Walton’s Death and Lori’s Response

In May 2024, the world lost a legend. Bill Walton passed away after a long battle with colon cancer. It was a heartbreaking time for sports fans, friends, and especially Lori.

The couple had been together for 33 years. They shared a deep love that grew stronger with time. When Bill died, Lori didn’t make big public statements. She stayed quiet, just like she always had — but her pain was real, and her loss was deep.

People around her said she stayed strong and full of grace. Even in grief, she chose kindness. She thanked those who sent support and quietly continued the work that mattered to her and Bill.

Where Is Lori Matsuoka Now?

So, what happened to Lori Matsuoka after Bill Walton’s death?

As of 2026, Lori still lives in San Diego, California, in the same home they shared for so many years. That home is filled with memories — music, dogs, books, love, and laughter. It’s her safe space, and she has kept it peaceful and warm.

Lori continues to write for Giving Back Magazine. She still supports nonprofits and helps with fundraisers. She may not appear in the news or on TV, but her quiet work continues. She chooses to stay out of the spotlight and focus on doing good — just like always.

Final Thoughts

Lori Matsuoka’s life is a beautiful reminder that you don’t have to be loud to be strong. She has given her time, her heart, and her energy to helping people, animals, and her community.

She stood beside Bill Walton through every step — from the basketball court to health struggles — and never gave up. After his passing, she stayed steady and loving. Her life now is slower, quieter, but still full of purpose.

Many people ask, “Who is Lori Matsuoka?” She is a kind soul, a true partner, and a giver. Her impact is soft but powerful. And in 2026, she keeps going — one kind act at a time.

(FAQs)

How old is Lori Matsuoka now?

Lori Matsuoka was born in March 1963, which makes her 63 years old in 2026 — most people are shocked because she still looks much younger!

How tall is Lori Matsuoka?

Lori is around 5 feet 5 inches tall (165 cm) — she looked tiny next to her 7-foot-2 husband, Bill Walton!

Did Lori Matsuoka have kids with Bill Walton?

No, Lori never had biological children — but she became a loving stepmom to Bill’s four sons and helped raise them like her own.

What is Lori Matsuoka’s nationality?

Lori is American, but many people are surprised to learn she has Japanese, Chinese, and Hawaiian roots.

What is Lori Matsuoka’s net worth in 2026?

Even after decades with NBA legend Bill Walton, Lori’s net worth is modest — around $100,000 — because she chose a life of service over fame and fortune.

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