United Kingdom, May 8 -- Susan Buckner has died at the age of 72.

The actress - who was best known for playing cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 musical 'Grease' - passed away last week, but no cause of death has been revealed to the public.

Her publicist Melissa Berthier said in a statement: "Susan died peacefully on May 2 surrounded by loved ones."

Susan's daughter, Samantha Mansfield, paid tribute to her mother and "best friend".

She told People magazine: "The light she brought into every room will be missed forever.

"She was magic, and I was very lucky to call her my best friend."

Susan was crowned Miss Washington in 1971 before representing the state at Miss America the following year.

She went on to become a member of The ...