Lori Matsuoka, the beloved wife of legendary NBA star Bill Walton, is more than just the partner of a basketball icon—she is a dedicated philanthropist, community leader, and inspiration to many. With a career that began in the corporate world and later transitioned into nonprofit work, Lori has made a lasting impact through her commitment to volunteerism, fundraising, and charitable causes.
Born in March 1963 in California, Lori embraced her Japanese, Chinese, and Hawaiian heritage while carving her own path in life. From serving on numerous nonprofit boards to becoming the Philanthropy Editor at Giving Back Magazine, she has dedicated her life to helping others and supporting meaningful initiatives. Her journey reflects a blend of compassion, resilience, and leadership, making her a remarkable figure in her own right.
Key Fact
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lori Matsuoka Walton |
| Birth Date | March 1963 |
| Birth Place | Tracy, California, USA |
| Age | 63 years (as of 2026) |
| Family Background | Father was a farmer growing tomatoes, vegetables, almonds |
| School/University | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
| Education | Sociology and Business, graduated 1986 |
Early Life & Education of Lori Matsuoka
Born in March 1963 in Tracy, California, Lori Matsuoka grew up in a nurturing environment that shaped her values of hard work, compassion, and resilience. Coming from a family deeply rooted in farming, her father cultivated tomatoes, vegetables, and almonds, instilling in her a strong sense of discipline and responsibility. Her mixed ethnicity—Japanese, Chinese, and Hawaiian— gave her a rich cultural background that influenced her outlook on life and community.
From a young age, Lori was driven to achieve academic success. She pursued higher education at the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she graduated in 1986 with dual degrees in sociology and business. This combination not only reflected her interest in understanding people but also prepared her for the corporate and philanthropic roles that would later define her career.
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Full name/Real name:
Lori Matsukawa
Birth date/Birth place:
Born in 1963 in Aiea, Hawaii, USA
Family background:
Grew up near Pearl Harbor with two sisters; both parents were teachers
School/University:
Graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University with a bachelor’s degree in communication; earned a master’s degree from the University of Washington in 1996
Career Journey of Lori Matsuoka
Lori Matsuoka’s professional path is a story of transformation, moving from the corporate world to becoming a renowned philanthropist and nonprofit leader. After graduating from UCLA, she began her career in sales and marketing with major companies such as Ray-Ban, Black & Decker, and Allergan Pharmaceuticals. These early roles allowed her to sharpen her business acumen, communication skills, and leadership abilities, which later became the foundation of her philanthropic success. Her breakthrough moment came in 2002, when she decided to leave the corporate sector and fully dedicate herself to community service and volunteerism.
Her peak years have been defined by her incredible dedication to charitable work. Lori has served on 17 nonprofit boards, chaired 27 fundraising events, and become a driving force behind causes related to children, animals, arts, and military support. One of her most notable works is her role as the Philanthropy Editor at Giving Back Magazine, where she highlights hero stories and impactful charitable efforts weekly. Through her editorial work and hands-on involvement, Lori has amplified the voices of nonprofits, inspired others to give back, and built a legacy as a woman who transformed compassion into action.
Physical Appearance of Lori Matsuoka
Age:
63 years old (born March 1963)
Height:
5 feet 5 Inches
Weight:
60 Kg.
Physical attributes:
Described as a tiny, beautiful woman of mixed Japanese, Chinese, and Hawaiian ancestry. She has black hair and brown eyes.
Major Achievements of Lori Matsuoka
Throughout her journey, Lori Matsuoka has earned recognition as a dedicated philanthropist and community leader. Her ability to transition from a successful corporate career to a life of service stands as one of her greatest achievements. By serving on 17 nonprofit boards and chairing 27 fundraising events, Lori has helped raise awareness and significant funds for causes close to her heart, including animal welfare, children’s programs, the arts, and military families. Her unwavering commitment has made her a trusted name in the nonprofit sector.
Another major highlight of her career is her impactful work as the Philanthropy Editor for Giving Back Magazine. In this role, she has consistently promoted hero stories, community initiatives, and charitable organizations, shining a spotlight on those making a difference. Her contributions have not only inspired countless individuals to get involved but have also strengthened nonprofit visibility on a larger scale, cementing her reputation as a woman whose achievements extend far beyond her association with NBA legend Bill Walton.
Personal Life of Lori Matsuoka
Family:
Married to Bill Walton from 1991 until his death in 2024; stepmother to Bill Walton’s four sons (Adam, Nathan, Luke, and Chris Walton). Her father was an agricultural farmer; family details about mother are private.
Nationality:
American
Religion:
Christianity
Ethnicity:
Mixed—Japanese, Chinese, and Hawaiian
Marital status/Relationship:
Widowed (married to Bill Walton until his death in 2024)
Net worth:
Estimated around $500,000 as of 2026
Social media presence:
Lori Matsuoka has an Instagram account (@lorimwalton) with over 2.7K followers where she shares content about philanthropy, service dogs, and community service.
| Social Media Platform | Handle/Username | Followers (approx.) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| @lorimatsuoka | 169 | Island girl studio, personal | |
| @lorimwalton | 2.7K+ | Philanthropy editor, philanthropy and service dogs related posts |
Interesting Facts About Lori Matsuoka
- Lori Matsuoka comes from a mixed Japanese, Chinese, and Hawaiian heritage, giving her a rich cultural background.
- She left a successful corporate career in 2002 to fully dedicate herself to philanthropy and nonprofit work.
- Lori has a deep love for animals and has supported programs that train service dogs.
- She met Bill Walton at a Grateful Dead party in 1990, and they married a year later.
- Beyond her work, Lori is passionate about arts, music, and community service, making her influence both personal and professional.
Conclusion of Lori Matsuoka
Lori Matsuoka’s life story is a shining example of how passion and purpose can come together to create a meaningful legacy. From her beginnings in the corporate world to her remarkable journey as a philanthropist and community leader, she has consistently used her skills, compassion, and dedication to uplift others. Her tireless efforts in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and volunteerism have touched countless lives and made her a respected figure far beyond her role as Bill Walton’s wife.
Even after the passing of her husband in 2024, Lori continues to stand as a source of inspiration through her work, values, and commitment to giving back. She has proven that true success is not measured by wealth or fame, but by the positive impact one leaves on society. Today, Lori Matsuoka is celebrated as a woman of strength, kindness, and leadership, whose legacy in philanthropy and service will inspire generations to come.
FAQs About Lori Matsuoka
1. Who is Lori Matsuoka?
Lori Matsuoka is the wife of late NBA legend Bill Walton and a respected philanthropist and community leader.
2. How old is Lori Matsuoka?
She was born in March 1963 and is 63 years old as of 2026.
3. What is Lori Matsuoka known for?
She is best known for her philanthropic work, serving on nonprofit boards, and as the Philanthropy Editor at Giving Back Magazine.
4. How did Lori Matsuoka meet Bill Walton?
Lori met Bill Walton at a Grateful Dead party in 1990, and they married in 1991.
5. What causes does Lori Matsuoka support?
She supports children, animals, the arts, and military families, dedicating her life to impactful community service.
