Danvers teacher remembered by family on the anniversary of her death

ANDOVER, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- On the one year anniversary of the murder of a Danvers High School math teacher, Colleen Ritzer's family remembers her as "good, kind and loving."

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ritzer's family said that she had been "passionate about teaching" and "loved the life that she worked so hard to achieve."

Ritzer, 24 at the time, was murdered one year ago, allegedly by student Phillip Chism, who is now 15. Prosecutors say Chism followed Ritzer into a school bathroom, sexually assaulted her and then killed her.

The slain teacher's family said that it has been a very difficult year for them, and that "time has not made Colleen's passing easier to accept."

"Her absence from our lives becomes more evident with each day," the statement continued, "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."

Ritzer's family thanked their family, friends, and members of the community for their support, saying that any kind gestures made a "tremendous difference" and helped the grieving family to find the good in every day.

Ritzer's family pointed to a tweet she had written on August 11, 2013, in which she said "No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good is a wonderful legacy to leave behind."

Tom, Peggie, Dan and Laura Ritzer said that they encourage those who would like to remember Colleen Ritzer to do "something good."

Cox Media Group