House Republican Leader John Boehner’s longtime chief of staff died unexpectedly on Saturday, Jan. 9.

Boehner said Paula Nowakowski, a native of St. Clair Shores, Mich., evidently died from a heart attack. She was 46.

In a statement issued Sunday, the House Minority leader from West Chester called Nowakowski’s death “stunning.”

“It is with profound sadness and shock that I announce the passing of Paula Nowakowski, my longtime chief of staff, trusted aide, and friend, who died suddenly last night,” Boehner said. “Words cannot adequately express the sorrow and disbelief I and every member of our team are grappling with today in the wake of this stunning news.”

In 2009, Nowakowski was named to Roll Call’s “Fabulous Fifty” staffers for what the online publication covering Capitol Hill referred to as her “know-how, access to top legislators, and her muscle.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, (D-Calif.), said Nowakowski’s influence will be missed.

“As Chief of Staff to Republican Leader John Boehner, Paula earned the respect not only of her Leadership and Conference, but all House Members on both sides of the aisle.

“Paula was a thorough professional who loved the House and worked in a constructive and bipartisan fashion to implement policies to help the Congress function efficiently.”

Nowakowski was a close friend and colleague of Pelosi’s chief of staff, John A. Lawrence. Lawrence told the Web site, Politico.com, they met in 2001 while working on the House Education and Workforce Committee.

“I think our relationship personifies the old adage about being able to disagree without being disagreeable,” Lawrence said.

Nowakowski, a 1985 graduate of Cornell University, first worked with Boehner in 1995 when she was hired as communications director for the House GOP Conference. She had served as Boehner’s chief of staff since 2006.

“We will remember Paula as she would want to be remembered — as a tireless worker, faithful friend, rabid Detroit sports fan, whip-smart strategist, warrior for freedom, and devoted Catholic who counted President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II among her greatest heroes,” Boehner said. “She will never be replaced, or forgotten.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2216 or kmargolis@DaytonDailyNews.com.