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A Legacy of Loyalty and Laughter
Mary O’Connor, the trusted secretary, confidant, and adviser to Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, passed away at the age of 84. Her life was intricately woven into the fabric of the Playboy Mansion, where she served for over four decades as Hefner’s Girl Friday.
A Remarkable Journey
Mary Eugenia Feuchtinger, born on August 8, 1928, in Chicago, embarked on a remarkable journey that would forever link her name with the iconic Playboy brand. Her story began when she accepted the position of manager at the first Playboy Mansion in Chicago in 1969. There, amidst 24 bunnies, she discovered a whole new world of excitement and adventure.
From Chicago to Holmby Hills
In 1971, Hefner purchased the Playboy Mansion West in Holmby Hills, California, for a cool $1.1 million. Mary O’Connor, with her unassuming demeanor and unwavering dedication, became an integral part of the Playboy legacy. She operated from her tiny second-floor office, where Hefner conducted his empire affairs while gazing up at her desk. Their bond was more than professional; it was a friendship forged in laughter and shared experiences.
The Playmates and the Promiscuity
Mary reveled in the vitality of the Playboy Mansion. The 22,000-square-foot home buzzed with life, thanks to the presence of countless Playmates. She marveled at their beauty, their little psyches, and their uninhibited ways. For her, it was invigorating—a fountain of youth. She once quipped, “If you want to go to bed with someone the first time you’re out with him, I think you should do it” .
A Quiet Force
Mary O’Connor was a woman of few words but immense influence. She rarely raised her voice, yet her impact resonated throughout the mansion. Even as she scolded those who misbehaved in Hef’s playground, her kindness remained intact. In 2008, an episode of The Girls Next Door titled “There’s Something About Mary O’Connor” offered a glimpse into her world. But Mary preferred the shadows, never seeking the spotlight.
A Matron of Honor
Despite failing health, Mary played a pivotal role in Hefner’s love story. She stood as the matron of honor at his New Year’s Eve wedding to his third wife, Crystal Harris. The mansion walls witnessed their union, a testament to Mary’s enduring presence. Her wicked sense of humor, her unwavering loyalty, and her unspoken wisdom left an indelible mark on the Playboy legacy.
Farewell, Mary
On January 27, 2024, Mary E. O’Connor breathed her last at Sherman Oaks Hospital after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her brother and close friends, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and love. Mary O’Connor, the woman who kept Playboy’s secrets and shared its joys, will forever be remembered as an essential thread in the tapestry of Hefner’s extraordinary life.
