Joannie Rochette's mother dies in Vancouver

Therese Rochette is the mother of Joannie Rochette, one of Canada’s top medal contenders for figure skating. Therese died suddenly on Saturday night just days before her daughter would take the ice in the hopes of winning the gold. According to the Toronto Star the Rochette family had just arrived in Vancouver on Saturday night to support Joannie as she prepared to skate in the women’s short program on Tuesday. There is no official word on the cause of Therese’s death, however it has been confirmed that Joannie will continue to compete in the Olympic games.

Wow can you imagine what the Rochette family is going through, this is terrible. The death of Therese at age the of 55 has clearly rocked the family and the Winter Olympics too. Mrs. Rochette was more than just a mother to her figure skating daughter, she was also a confidante, a friend and a pivotal part of Joannie’s support system. In an interview in 2008 Joannie had these kind words to say about her mother.

Those close to Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette say she is determined to finish her Olympic mission despite the sudden death of her mother Therese.

“Fairly shortly after she was informed she decided she would carry on,” said William Thompson, Skate Canada’s CEO. “We will support whatever decision she makes. Honestly, I think she’ll skate. She seemed very determined to compete.”

Therese Rochette, 55, had arrived in Vancouver with her husband Normand on Saturday after travelling from their home in Montreal. Early Sunday morning Therese was transported to Vancouver General Hospital where she died. Cause of death was confirmed as result of a heart attack.