Sadly, Mary O’Connor died on Jan. 27, at the age of 84, in Sherman Oaks, California, after working at the Playboy mansion for more than 40 years. She acted as a “therapist” and “mom” for multiple playmates throughout the years, including Kendra Wilkinson, who is “devastated” by Mary’s passing.

“I’m devastated to hear about the passing of Mary O’Connor,” Kendra wrote on her personal blog on Jan. 30. “Some of you probably recognize her as Hef’s secretary from The Girls Next Door. But Mary was a lot more than that to those who knew her.”

Mary was “almost like a therapist” for the girls at the mansion, Kendra says. “Over the years, she helped me through a lot. She was a shoulder to cry on when I needed it and [was] always there to give me advice when I was going through a tough time.”

“I have so many great memories of Mary. She always invited me to her home for Monday night card games with her and her girlfriends but I would end up watching football with her husband Captain Bob instead. Mary also brought me along to her favorite getaway place, Branson, Missouri, which I will never forget. I felt so special that she invited me to her getaway with her and it was so nice to see where she went away to. One of my favorite memories of her that I’ll never forget is when she showed up at my bridal shower wearing a shower cap, while all of my friends were in risqué outfits. She also held my baby shower for Lil’ Hank which is something I will always be thankful for. She was a wonderful person and I wouldn’t be the person I am without her,” Kendra concluded.

It’s clear that Mary will be missed by friends, family, fans and HollywoodLife.com.

WATCH: Hugh Hefner’s Secretary, Mary O’Connor, On ‘Girls Next Door’

— Chris Rogers

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@ChrisRogers86
More On Mary O’Connor, Hugh Hefner’s Beloved Secretary:

1. Mary O’Connor: Photos Of Hugh Hefner’s Late Secretary
2. Mary O’Connor’s Death — Bridget Marquardt On Hugh Hefner Secretary’s Passing
3. Mary O’Connor Dead — Hugh Hefner’s Secretary From ‘Girls Next Door’ Dies

Mary O’Connor died on Jan. 27, at the age of 84 in Sherman Oaks, Cali. She worked at the Playboy mansion for more than 40 years. On Jan. 28, Hugh Hefner, 86, tweeted a link to a Facebook page containing an obituary for Mary, detailing her established personal and professional life.

Hugh first tweeted on Jan. 27, ”Mary passed away today. We loved her more than words can say.”

In the Facebook obituary, Mary is described as, “Hef’s loyal and trusted personal secretary, social secretary, confidant, executive assistant, house-mother, office-wife, and close friend.”

Mary was born in Chicago and grew up in Marion, Indiana. Mary moved to California in 1953.

“I always wanted to come to Los Angeles, to Hollywood,” she said. “My father’s sister was a screenwriter and involved in movies and that fascinated me.”

Mary spent 30 years with the love of her live “Captain Bob” — Robert F. Gentert, from 1982 until his death in 2012.

A Bunny Speaks To HollywoodLife.com About Mary

Girls Next Door star Bridget Marquardt told HollywoodLife.com exclusively about the close relationship she had with Mary.

“Mary was a confidant that you could always count on. I could vent to her, and she would listen, but even more than that she always had a solution for whatever was bothering me. Mary was instrumental at the Mansion in so many ways. I can’t even imagine what life will be like there without her.”

Kendra Wilkinson also blogged a sweet obituary.

It’s clear Mary will be missed by friends, family and fans around the world.

WATCH: Hugh Hefner’s Secretary, Mary O’Connor, On ‘Girls Next Door’

— Dory Larrabee

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@DoryLarrabee
More On Mary O’Connor, Hugh Hefner’s Beloved Secretary:

1. Mary O’Connor: Photos Of Hugh Hefner’s Late Secretary
2. Mary O’Connor’s Death — Bridget Marquardt On Hugh Hefner Secretary’s Passing
3. Mary O’Connor Dead — Hugh Hefner’s Secretary From ‘Girls Next Door’ Dies

Mary O’Connor, known best for being Hugh Hefner’s beloved secretary for more than 40 years, died on Jan. 27. Mary was featured on The Girls Next Door reality show along with Bridget Marquardt, who spoke to us exclusively about her sad passing.

Bridget Marquardt Speaks To HollywoodLife.com About Mary O’Connor

“I actually knew Mary before I even moved into the mansion. I met Mary when I first moved to L.A. through a mutual friend in late 2001 or early 2002. I went to her and Capt. Bob’s house for dinner and to play cards. Mary loved to play card games and have small parties at her house. So, I’ve actually known her her for about 11 years — 7 for which I was living at the mansion.”

“Mary and I were close. I use to go into her office almost every morning, sometimes alone and sometimes with Holly, and hang out with her chatting, until Hef would come in and chase us out so they could start working!”

“Mary was a confidant that you could always count on. I could vent to her, and she would listen, but even more than that she always had a solution for whatever was bothering me. If she thought it was absurd, she had her way of letting you know that too. She was excited about my opportunities and was an emotional pillar for the down times. I would not have lasted at the Mansion as long as I did without Mary, especially through the first few years.”

Bridget echoed the sentiments of everyone who knew Mary, saying life won’t be the same without her.

“Mary was instrumental at the Mansion in so many ways. I can’t even imagine what life will be like there without her.”

“Mary didn’t mind being on camera, but she didn’t like being the center of attention. She would easily interact with us on camera for the show, but when it came to anything that was about her (like her birthday episode) she would practically run away! She was a dear friend, one that will never be replaced, and she will be missed.”

Playboy Housemates Tweet Sadness About Mary O’Connor’s Death

Hugh first spoke on the news on Jan. 27, tweeting, “Mary passed away today. We loved her more than words can say.”

Bridget also tweeted, “Thank you for all the sweet messages. Mary O’Connor will be missed.#RIPMary.”

Kendra Wilkinson tweeted, “RIP Mary O’Connor. She was an amazing person who helped me through so much. But I know she’s happy with her boo Captain Bob. :)” Kendra also blogged a sweet obituary.

Holly Madison said, “Rest In Peace Mary!”

Hugh’s current wife Crystal Hefner tweeted, “Hef’s long time secretary & my dear friend Mary O’Connor has passed away. It’s a very sad day here at the Playboy Mansion. We love you Mary.”

The Feeling Inside The Playboy Mansion

A source connected to the Mansion tells HollywoodLife.com that people close to Mary, especially Hef, are “devastated that she is gone. She was complete class and super nice and everyone is bummed that she is no longer around. She was everyone’s extra Mom or Grandmother.”

The source added, “It’s just as bad and sad as if Hef passed. She was that important to people.”

WATCH: Mary Plays Cards With Bridget And The Girls 

— Reporting by Dory Larrabee and Russ Weakland, Written by Dory Larrabee

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@DoryLarrabee

More On Mary O’Connor, Hugh Hefner’s Beloved Secretary:

1. Mary O’Connor: Photos Of Hugh Hefner’s Late Secretary
2. Mary O’Connor Dies — Hugh Hefner Speaks On Secretary’s Passing
3. Mary O’Connor Dead — Hugh Hefner’s Secretary From ‘Girls Next Door’ Dies

After working at the Playboy mansion for more than 40 years, Hugh Hefner’s secretary Mary O’Connor died on Jan. 27 at the age of 84. She died in Sherman Oaks, Cali. surrounded by her brother and close friends.

Hef tweeted the sad news on Jan. 27, ”Mary passed away today. We loved her more than words can say.”

Hef’s three infamous ex-girlfriends from Girls Next Door tweeted their sadness. Kendra also blogged a sweet obituary.

Kendra Wilkinson tweeted, “RIP Mary O’Connor. She was an amazing person who helped me through so much. But I know she’s happy with her boo Captain Bob. :)”

Holly Madison added, “Rest In Peace Mary!”

Bridget Marquardt tweeted, “Thank you for all the sweet messages. Mary O’Connor will be missed.#RIPMary.” Bridget also spoke exclusively to HollywoodLife.com about her friendship with Mary.

“Mary was a confidant that you could always count on. I could vent to her, and she would listen, but even more than that she always had a solution for whatever was bothering me. Mary was instrumental at the Mansion in so many ways. I can’t even imagine what life will be like there without her.”

Mary, who was regularly featured on Girls Next Door, had been dealing with some health issues recently, according to TMZ. Hugh is taking the death “extremely hard.” Mary was “the rock” of the mansion, and TMZ is told that everyone in the house is “incredibly sad.”

Hef’s wife Crystal Hefner tweeted, “Hef’s long time secretary & my dear friend Mary O’Connor has passed away. It’s a very sad day here at the Playboy Mansion. We love you Mary.”

This is the worst news ever. We were certainly BIG fans of Mary. Our thoughts are with Mary’s friends and family at this very sad time. Tell us, HollywoodLifers: what was YOUR favorite memory of Mary?

WATCH: Hugh Hefner’s Secretary, Mary O’Connor, On ‘Girls Next Door’

— Chris Rogers

Follow
@ChrisRogers86

More On Mary O’Connor, Hugh Hefner’s Beloved Secretary:

1. Mary O’Connor: Photos Of Hugh Hefner’s Late Secretary
2. Mary O’Connor Dies — Hugh Hefner Speaks On Secretary’s Passing
3. Mary O’Connor’s Death — Bridget Marquardt On Hugh Hefner Secretary’s Passing

The former ‘Girl Next Door,’ admits that when her boobs ‘leaked’ at parties, she’d go in the bathroom and breastfeed herself!

I don’t know if this is normal for mommies, but it doesn’t sound normal. Kendra Wilkinson, 26, who has a 21-month-old son Hank Jr. with footballer hubby Hank Baskett, admits that when she was out at parties while she was still breastfeeding, she’d nurse HERSELF so her boobs would stop leaking! Totally weird or totally fine?

“My first party after giving birth to Hank, I went to Eve nightclub in Vegas and my boobs started leaking,” a laughing Kendra tells Baby Zone. “I couldn’t do anything so I breastfed myself. And it tasted sweet, too!” Ew!

The Being Kendra: Cribs, Cocktails, and Getting My Sexy Back author has never been shy when it comes to talking about the weird experiences of parenting — and we love that about her!

“We have a lot of personality in our family and we love each other so much. We can talk smack to each other and laugh about it and have fun with it,” she shares, adding that Hank Jr. is “getting that too.”

“Don’t take everything so seriously,” is Kendra’s motto for motherhood. “If Hank cries for two hours, I’m going to laugh at him for two hours because he’s turning 2!”

What do you think of Kendra’s TMI approach to parenting? And what about this whole “breasfeeding yourself” thing? Did you do that, HollyMoms?

–Leigh Blickley

More Kendra Stories:

1. Kendra Wilkinson & Hank Baskett: Why We Need Our Date Nights Plus When Baby #2 Is Coming! Exclusive!
2. Kendra Wilkinson Felt Like She Had ‘Nothing To Live For’ While Struggling With Postpartum Depression!
3. Hank And Kendra Have A Family Day At The Park — Reunited And It Feels So Good!

The former Girls Next Door star opens up about the possibility of separating from her husband!

Kendra Wilkinson, 25, says that she will not travel to Minnesota with her footballer husband, Hank Baskett, when and if the NFL season begins in the fall. “Oh no, I’m staying in LA,” she tells Life & Style magazine ,”We have a home here.”   And rightfully so!  Kendra has been one busy mommy in the past year. After finishing up the third season of her reality-TV series Kendra in January, the mother-of-one enjoyed a long and competitive stint on Dancing with the Stars.  But when she was eliminated in Week 7, Kendra was finally able to to get back home to her 18-month-old son, Hank Jr., and presume a maternal mindset.

Kendra and hubby Hank have relocated homes seven times in the past three years.  Since being married, she has had to follow her husband as he was traded from Philadelphia to Indianapolis, back to Philadelphia and then ultimately to Minnesota.

Although the wide-receiver’s contract is up in the air along with the NFL season altogether, Kendra says she needs to settle in to one location. “We just moved into our brand-new house.”

Despite the constant shuffling between cities, she admits that she can’t stand being without Hank. “He’s my everything.  Being apart, we miss each other.”

It’s no doubt that Kendra will need to keep her life steady in one place if she wants to have another baby, which the couple plan to do.  “The time is coming!  Hank and I are on the same page.”  We hope you two can get on the ‘same page’ about living in one location!

– Michael Emer

Read more about Kendra and her Hank’s!

1. Kendra & Hank TROUBLE: Her Steamy Public Make-Out Session With Another Woman!
2. Kendra Practices Her Sexy DWTS Moves With Her Husband Hank! Exclusive
3. Kendra’s Nanny Quit So She Has To Bring Hank Jr. To ‘DWTS’ Rehearsals! Hilarious!

The former ‘Girls Next Door’ star has her sights set on Kirstie Alley to take home the Mirror Ball trophy!

Dancing with the Stars comes back tonight with a fresh batch of performances, and Bridget Marquardt is behind Kirstie Alley for the win! The former Playboy Playmate talked to HollywoodLife.com about why she’s supporting the DWTS fan favorite.

We asked Bridget who she would pick to win the show if she couldn’t pick her BFF Kendra Wilkinson.”Oh My God! I have it TiVo’d and haven’t watched all of them but I am rooting for Kirstie Alley,” Bridget gushed exclusively to HollywoodLife.com at the Svedka Night of a Billion Reality Stars in Hollywood April 7 adding, “I think it is really great for her. She is doing such a great job!”

Bridget’s not the only Kirstie fan and Kendra has said in the past that Kirstie Alley is one of her biggest competitors, so do you think Kirstie will take home the trophy? Or will one of the other dancers win? Vote below!

Russ Weakland

After just a few months of dating, the couple who met on Twitter have parted ways!

Holly Madison isn’t crying from a broken heart. The former girlfriend of Hugh Hefner was out partying over the weekend in Vegas sans — musician boyfriend Jack Barakat. And now a rep for the star tells E! Online that the two are officially over.

“I can confirm Holly and Jack are no longer dating,” a rep for Holly says. ”Their decision to split was both mutual and amicable.”

Holly and the All Time Low guitarist met on Twitter through a mutual friend and began dating this past summer. Holly admitted that they dated virtually for a while before meeting and they eventually exchanged numbers through a Twitter direct message.

According to Us Weekly Holly hosted a party with Brody Jenner at the Chateau nightclub in Vegas and she appeared to be having a great time while dancing with her Holly’s World co-stars Angel Porrino and Josh Strickland.

— Chloe Melas