Rita Carol Perusse, 70
Rita Carol Perusse, 70, formerly of Trumbull and Stratford, Conn., passed away peacefully in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Dec. 18, 2008, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
She was born in Red Lake Falls, Minn., in 1938 to Emery (Tug) and Rose (Chatel) LaCoursiere. Rita attended Lafayette High School in Red Lake Falls and for many years worked in the travel industry.
Rita is survived by her five children, Rick Perusse of Trumbull, Conn., Shelly Perusse of Shelton Conn., Kim Skane of Wilmington, N.C., Greg (Kelly) Perusse of Pearland, Texas, and Barb Perusse of Sandpoint.
Also surviving her are brothers, Roland LaCoursiere of Wichita, Kan., Jerry (Veronica) LaCoursiere of Eveleth, Minn., Jim LaCoursiere of Red Lake Falls, Minn., and Mike (Bonnie) LaCoursiere of Bloomington, Minn.
She also is survived by her grandchildren, Danielle (Sam) Raykes, Chris and Ryan Skane, Mallory (Chris) Companik, Kyle, Rachel, Kelsey and Michael Perusse ,and Deana (Clynt) Waddell.
She is also survived by many nieces and nephews as well as a special friend and daughter-in-law, Kathy Perusse.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Marvin (Skeet) La-Coursiere; a nephew, Ryan La-Coursiere; and a sister-in-law, Phyllis La-Coursiere.
After living in Connecticut for many years, Rita moved to Sandpoint in 2005 to be closer to her daughter.
She had the ability to instantly make friends and her quick wit will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A gathering to celebrate Rita's life will be held on Jan. 27, 2009, at 41 South Restaurant (formerly The Landing) in Sagle, Idaho from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A funeral Mass was held at St. Joseph's Church in Red Lake Falls, Minn., on Jan. 10, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. with burial following at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Red Lake Falls. Friends greeted the family on Friday, Jan. 9, from 5-8 p.m. at St. Joseph's Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kinderhaven, P.O. Box 2097, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864; Community Cancer Services, 1215 Michigan Street, Suite B, Sandpoint, ID 83864; or the Boys and Girls Club of LNV, 1 Positive Place, Shelton, Connecticut 06484.