My dearest Joannie,

It has taken me far too long to say what is in my heart. Please know that every mother in Canada gave a part of their heart to you as you performed for yours. It still brings me to tears everytime I think of how wonderfully you conducted yourself in this most trying of times. It shows that you are truly a champion, and tells of a wonderful relationship that you and your mother had. Continue to be brave, but do take the time to properly grieve so you can continue with the sport that you and your family have put so much time and energy into. Please accept both my condolences on your loss, and congratulations on your brillant performance.

All the best for you in the future.

Bonnie
Bonnie Newman, 2010-03-01 17:19:35

Dear Joannie

You have captured all of our hearts and made us extremely proud. You are a true Olympian.

May you find comfort in the days ahead and cherish your Mother's memory.

God Bless your mom and may she rest in peace.
Loraine Downey, 2010-03-01 15:23:18

In a world dominated by competition, your ability to perform not to win, but because this was your mothers dream, was awe inspiring to say the least. I know you were fueled by the most basic of emotions, the love for a mother, and you truly were the greatest athlete of the 2010 games, and most worthy to carry our flag at the end. You symbolize everything it means to be Canadian, and now that the games are over, please take this time to find peace and closure within, be with your family and say your proper good-bye. God bless you, your family, and may your mother be at home in His care.
Dave, 2010-03-01 13:44:46

God Bless You Joannie ..

You are what being Canadian

is all about .. Your Mom

is proud .. We Love You
Joe Lococo, 2010-02-26 15:49:25

Joannie: your courage to perform for the country says so much about you personally. I hope every child in Canada has you as their moral compass. I am so sorry for your loss but remember there are holes in the floor of heavan and your mother was there.
Sharon, 2010-02-26 14:33:56

Hi Joannie,

I was moved to tears when I heard about your mom. My wife had a heart attack 2 years ago on Feb 15/07. On the way to the hospital she flatlined on the computer. She was gone, I started to yell at her & the peramedic brought her back. You are a brave young lady & we are praying for you & your family, you made Canada proud by keep on going. GOD bless you Joannie,

Stephen & Janet Mickalow

Stephen Mickalow, 2010-02-26 14:23:25

Dear Ms. Rochette,

My family and I were shocked and saddened to learn of your mother's sudden death. Our hearts were with you. I am a nurse in the Emergency department of a large trauma centre so I see first hand what a sudden loss of a family member does to the family left shocked and bereift.

Your performance and bronze medal achievement in Vancouver shows the athelete and person you are.

I have no doubt that(as a mother myself) your mother is so heart burstingly proud of you! When the excitement has diminished, and you are back home and are able to grieve, surrounded by other loved ones, Know that Canadians are thankful that you are who you are you, and have achieved what you did.

Our condolences,

The Allan family from Calgary
trimicher, 2010-02-26 14:00:58

Dear Joannie, WOW!!! I am a husband, father and a huge sports fan, but I have never given figure skating a chance and have had no desire to sit down and watch. When I first heard the news of your mother passing away at the time she did, I was quite sad for your situation. Then when I heard that you still intended to compete, it became just as important to me to watch your first performance as it was to watch Canadian mens hockey. After watching your first performance, all I could say to my wife and kids is WOW, as we are wiping our tears. I was more excited to watch your second performance, as this became much more than mere competition within a sport. I wish to congratulate you for your bravery, dedication and strength, it gave my family a true example of what adversity is all about, and I thank you for that. We wish you and your family all the best in the future. Your dedication to your mother was beautiful!
Tyler Firth, 2010-02-26 13:25:17

Dear Joannie:

Please know how proud we are of you for having the grit to skate last night. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

GOD BLESS......GAYLE
Gayle Cullins, 2010-02-26 13:19:04

Dear Joannie,

I also lost my mom a few weeks ago and empathize with your pain. Good for you to keep skating, making your mom, your family and all us Canadians so proud!
Akke Engelbertink, 2010-02-26 12:13:01