Helen Heinsohn, the wife of former Boston Celtics player and coach and current broadcaster Tommy Heinsohn passed away Monday after a six year battle with brain and lung cancer.

Mike Petraglia of WEEI.com calls her one of the first ladies of the Celtics.  In his blog post he wrote:

Helen Heinsohn was one of the first ladies of the Boston Celtics.

Her presence was always felt in and around the team, including the media dining area where she would spend time with her more famous husband.

But truth be told, Helen was just as popular as she socialized before, during and after games, all the while maintaining an strong front as she battled cancer.

She is surived by Tommy, two step sons and five grandchidren.  Her funeral mass will be Wednesday in Needham for friends and family.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Helen’s memory to the New England Baptist Hospital C/O Development Office 125 Parker Hill Avenue, Boston, MA 02120.