Ritzer Family Issues Heartbreaking Statement on Anniversary of Murder

The family of Colleen Ritzer issued a statement on the first anniversary of their daughter’s murder to thank those who have helped them -- and also to ask people to remember her by doing “something good.”

The family called the Andover native, who was a Danvers High School math teacher, “good, kind and loving.”

They thanked everyone for their support since a student allegedly murdered the DHS teacher last October.

“We continue to receive messages from those moved by Colleen’s passion for teaching, many of whom have chosen to become teachers themselves because of her inspiration. We are grateful to all who continue to keep Colleen’s legacy alive, a legacy of a caring teacher who was always good to people.”

They called the past year a “difficult” one for the family and said each day is harder than the last.

“Time has not made Colleen’s passing easier to accept. Her absence from our lives becomes more evident with each day. Whether at the dinner table, a family photograph or family gathering, her absence is always felt and that absence grows stronger with each event. Her laugh and her smile are always missing.”

They said they have been able to carry on thanks for the support of family, friends and community members.

The family finished their statement with a tweet that their daughter posted on Aug. 11, 2013 and asked people to remember their daughter by doing “something good”: “No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.”