She will be missed.”

Alice Richards is the couple’s only child.

Friends and colleagues described Mahaffey as “naturally kind-hearted” and a woman who “exuded a warm and infectious energy.”

On social media, fans also posted sincere homages, complimenting her on her ability to add distinctive character to each part.

“No matter the episode count or number of lines she would have, Valerie Mahaffey made an impression,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“She was always JUST right no matter what she was working in,” said another.

“When her name came up on the screen, my heart jumped with delight,” added a third.

“She was in EVERYTHING! And no one did soft spoken, passive aggressive viciousness better! So sad to