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Kendra Wilkinson 'devastated' by death

Jan 31, 2013, 6:01 GMT

Kendra Wilkinson

Kendra Wilkinson is devastated following the death of Hugh Hefner's long-time secretary Mary O'Connor.

The former 'The Girls Next Door' star and glamour model penned a touching obituary about the Playboy 'mansion mom', who passed away last weekend after ongoing health issues and said she 'wouldn't be the person I am without her'.

The 26-year-old mother-of-one opened up about her grief on her blog on Wednesday (30.01.13), writing: 'I'm devastated to hear about the passing of Mary O'Connor. Some of you probably recognise her as Hef's secretary from 'The Girls Next Door.' But Mary was a lot more than that to those who knew her. Mary worked at the Playboy Mansion for more than 40 years and was like the mansion mom.

'She was almost like a therapist because we could talk to her about anything. When I lived at the mansion I was very close with her. Over the years, she helped me through a lot and was always there for me. She was a shoulder to cry on when I needed it and always there to give me advice when I was going through a tough time.

'One of my favourite 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 risque 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.'

Hugh, 86, also admitted he is finding it 'extremely hard' to come to terms with her death.

He previously praised Mary for helping him and his now wife Crystal Harris reconcile after the blonde beauty called off their wedding in 2011.

He said: 'It's Mary O'Connor that brought Crystal Harris back. Crystal was miserable and said so. Mary told Crystal to write and tell me, which she did.'

The couple tied the knot at the Playboy Mansion on New Year's Eve (31.12.12).