It's been a life-changing week of tears and triumph for Joannie Rochette.

Days after the sudden death of her mother from a heart attack, she skated to Olympic bronze Thursday night in Vancouver.

In her hometown of Berthierville, emotions were running high among friends and family as they gathered to watch her performance in the free skate.

With Rochette heading into the program in third place, Rochette's friend and sponsor Anick Belanger was worried about what would happen on the ice a continent away

"Nervous, happy, we don't know what to expect but we're going to try to send a lot of energy there and be with her as much as we can," said Belanger.

Cheering every successful jump, and groaning over one slip, Rochette's uncle couldn't stay in his seat during her routine.

But when the scores came in, Rochette had scored a personal best in the program, enough to land her on the podium, and win her the admiration of millions.

"I'm excited about what Joannie did tonight," said her cousin Karine. "I'm proud of her! Everyone in the world is proud of her."

After her skate, Rochette told reporters that her perseverance was what her mother wanted.

The outpouring of support is expected to continue Monday at Trudeau airport, where two busloads of friends and family will be waiting to welcome Rochette home, to share her grief at the loss of her mother, and to cheer her Olympic medal.