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Janine Valle, vice president of the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association, died Aug. 21 at the age of 61.

A “very well-respected” official among PMTA membership, Valle continued to work at the association until she went to the hospital days before her death, said James Runk, president of PMTA.

“There’s no question she had a tremendous effect on the association and our membership,” Runk told Transport Topics. “She’s been a valued employee, a trusted adviser and a very dear friend for 17 years,” said Runk, who worked with Valle throughout her tenure at PMTA.

Valle was responsible for most internal affairs at the association, including managing the office, Runk said. PMTA has not officially assigned her duties to other employees, because Valle’s death was so sudden, but others, including Runk, are chipping in to help where needed.

“She was a very valued employee and a trusted confidant,” he added.

Valle’s effect on Pennsylvania’s trucking industry went beyond the state to the national level. She was active in the Trucking Association Executives Council, Runk said.

“Janine Valle was the anchor of the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association,” Bill Graves, president of American Trucking Associations, said in a statement.

“She was a consummate professional, dedicated not only to PMTA but the entire ATA federation,” he added. “She was well-respected among all that met her and will be truly missed.”

Valle was born in Philadelphia and earned an associate’s degree from Sullins College, according to her obituary published in the Harrisburg Patriot-News.

She is survived by her husband, John; parents, William and Dorothy Anderson; brothers, Bill, Ken and Eric; children, Ryan Carr, Megan Carr, Ricky Carr and Erin Magagna; and grandchildren, Aubrey, Olivia and William. Her daughter, Jennifer, predeceased her.

“She had a great sense of humor and personality, always upbeat,” Runk added.

The cause of Valle’s death had not been determined by press time, Runk said.