JANNIE ROEHM

Jannie M. Roehm was born January 3, 1958 on an army base in Passua, Germany. She and her family moved many times until settling in the Syracuse area when she was twelve years old. Jannie worked in the electronics industry at the M.S. Kennedy Corp. She dedicated herself to providing a wonderful home and raising two beautiful and intelligent daughters, Nancy and Tonya. 

In 1991, she began training in karate at LaVallee’s USA Black Belt Champions. Jannie found a passion at LaVallee’s, where she could express her love for life and her strong belief in a positive attitude. She received her first degree black belt in 1996. Jannie continued her training and began to work at LaVallee’s. She loved being part of the karate family. She especially enjoyed encouraging the children to strive for their goals, and always with positive reinforcement and enthusiasm. Jannie earned her second degree black belt in 2000. 

Jannie noticed a lump in her breast in the spring of 2002 when she was 44 years old. She proceeded to have surgery, chemotherapy and radiations over the next twelve months. Jannie’s attitude never wavered. She would always say “if I can make it through black belt training, I can make it through anything”.

Following her recovery, Jannie returned to LaVallee’s to resume her training and earned her third degree black belt in April 2005.

In the spring of 2006 her cancer abruptly returned. Jannie received chemotherapy, major reconstructive surgery and additional chemotherapy throughout the balance of 2006. But again the cancer reappeared in December of 2006. Throughout all this, Jannie continued to work at LaVallee’s when able. Most importantly to her, she helped her daughters bring three beautiful grandchildren, Ava, Sara and Rowan, into the world. Jannie’s passion to fight and recover was now magnified by the love her grandchildren gave her. Jannie continued to fight every minute of every day. The doctors and nurses associated with her care were moved by her constant upbeat demeanor and attitude. She never doubted her belief that she would beat this. After each treatment, each consultation and each setback, she always asked “ok, what do we do next?”.