Rita Carol Perusse

Rita Carol Perusse, 70, formerly of Trumbull and Stratford, CT passed away peacefully in Sandpoint, ID on December 18th after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Red Lake Falls, MN 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, CT; Shelly Perusse of Shelton CT; Kim Skane of Wilmington, NC; Greg (Kelly) Perusse of Pearland, TX, and Barb Perusse of Sandpoint, ID. Also surviving her are brothers Roland LaCoursiere of Wichita Kansas, Jerry (Veronica) LaCoursiere of Eveleth, MN, Jim LaCoursiere of Red Lake Falls, MN and Mike (Bonnie) LaCoursiere of Bloomington, MN. She is survived by grandchildren Danielle (Sam) Raykes, Chris and Ryan Skane, Mallory (Chris) Companik, Kyle, Rachel, Kelsey and Michael Perusse & 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) LaCoursiere, a nephew Ryan LaCoursiere and a sister-in-law Phyllis LaCoursiere. 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 January 27th at 41 South Restaurant (formerly The Landing) in Sagle, ID from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will also be a Funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Red Lake Falls, MN on January 10th at 10:30 a.m. with burial to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Red Lake Falls. Friends may greet the family on Friday, January 9th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kinderhaven, P.O. Box 2097, Sandpoint, ID 83864; Community Cancer Services, 1215 Michigan Street, Suite B, Sandpoint, ID 83864; or the Boys and Girls Club of LNV, 1 Positive Place, Shelton, CT 06484.