Chamber of Commerce president and store owner Kristi Grayston died suddenly at the weekend.

It is understood that Ms Grayston, who was 52 and lived in Devonshire with her husband Michael, died of a heart attack on Saturday night.

Her family said last night: “The Grayston family would like to thank everyone for their very kind thoughts and words. It is heartwarming to read all the acknowledgements and the tributes to Kristi.

“It’s obvious to us that her influence extended across all walks of life in Bermuda and around the world.”

Ms Grayston was managing partner of the award-winning stationery and gift store, Pulp & Circumstance, in Hamilton. John Wight, the vice-president of the Chamber, and executive director Kendaree Burgess paid tribute to Ms Grayston last night.

“Kristi was elected president in April 2014, having been chair of the retail committee for many years,” Mr Wight said. “She was very devoted to the Chamber and the issues important to our members.

“She presided over many issues, several difficult ones, which she handled very effectively and professionally.

“The Chamber is a better organisation because of what Kristi accomplished. The thoughts and prayers of the Chamber and all its members go out to Michael and family.”

Ms Burgess added: “It has been my pleasure working with Kristi. She had the unique ability to get the best out of people; to make everyday work seem extraordinary and worthwhile. She will be a miss.”

Ms Grayston became president of the Chamber of Commerce last year, having previously been co-chairwoman of the Chamber’s retail division.

Ms Grayston is a past board member of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and a former treasurer of an island-based exempt company, as well as a past trustee of the Bermuda National Gallery.

She was recognised by the Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World in 2003 and in the same year won the Take the Next Step business development grant.

Ronnie Viera, who was succeeded as Chamber president by Ms Grayston, said in a Facebook tribute: “I am shocked and saddened to hear about Kristi.

“Apart from her personal life, in her various Chamber roles, Kristi was a passionate advocate for the retail industry, never missing the opportunity to remind Government and others of how tough things were for business owners and lobbying for things that would help.

“Her efforts benefited many members and non-members over the last few years.

“She will be missed by many. My thoughts are with her family.”

Jonathan Howes, the chief executive officer of Bermuda Press (Holdings), the parent company of The Royal Gazette, joined the Chamber board as Ms Grayston took over as president from Mr Viera.

“She was an effective leader and a great president over the time I have been there,” Mr Howes said.

“It’s a very sad day and I feel for the family. It’s sad news.”

Michael Dunkley also offered his condolences, saying he had known Ms Grayston personally and had been deeply saddened to learn of her passing.

“Kristi was a pioneering entrepreneur who approached every endeavour with passion, dedication and enthusiasm,” the Premier said. “She truly left her mark on our local business sector with her involvement in the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, and the many other business and community organisations that benefited from her leadership and participation.”

A spokesman for the PLP said: “The Progressive Labour Party offers our sincere condolences to the family of the late Kristi Grayston.

“Ms Grayston, the current president of the Chamber of Commerce and a former board member of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, has been an staunch advocate for the retail sector in Bermuda. She will be missed.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband and family at this most difficult time.”

In a statement today, Governor George Fergusson said: “I am really shocked at the death of Kristi Grayston. I saw her regularly in her capacity as president of the Chamber of Commerce and looked forward to her insights, her sense of humour — sometimes wry as she looked as aspects of the retail sector — and her strong commitment to making Bermuda work.

“Her contribution to public service, on top of her own responsibilities to her own business, was very impressive. Along with many others, I will miss her. I send my particular condolences to her husband and family in this very sad and sudden loss.”