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Funeral underway in Quebec for mother of Olympic medallist Joannie Rochette

A funeral is underway in central Quebec for the mother of Olympic bronze medallist Joannie Rochette.
Joannie Rochette; Therese Guevremont-Rochette;
Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette attends the funeral of her monther Therese Guevremont-Rochette in Berthierville

BERTHIERVILLE, Que. — A funeral is underway in central Quebec for the mother of Olympic bronze medallist Joannie Rochette.

Hundreds of people are packed into a church in Berthierville to pay their final respects to Therese Rochette.

Rochette, 55, died of a massive heart attack in Vancouver about two weeks ago upon arriving to watch her daughter compete in figure skating at the Winter Olympics.

Joannie Rochette, 24, competed in the short program just three days after the death and then clinched the bronze medal two nights later.

She was chosen to carry the Canadian flag at the Olympics’ closing ceremonies.

Rochette has said she drew inspiration from many people around the world who rallied around her during a stressful and trying time.