Colleen Ritzer Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Death, Murder, Burial, Parents, Siblings, Education, Career, Family

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Colleen Ritzer was a beloved 24-year-old math teacher at Danvers High School in Massachusetts, known for her vibrant energy, passion for education, and deep commitment to her students. A lifelong resident of Andover, she graduated from Assumption College and was pursuing a graduate degree at Salem State University at the time of her death. She is remembered by friends, family, and colleagues as a compassionate person who lived by the motto, “No matter what happens in life, be good to people.”

Tragically, Colleen’s life was cut short on October 22, 2013, when she was murdered by one of her 14-year-old students, Philip Chism. The attack occurred inside the high school after classes had ended for the day. Chism followed her into a school restroom, where he assaulted and killed her before moving her body to a nearby wooded area. The case shocked the local community and the nation, leading to a high-profile trial where Chism was eventually convicted of murder, aggravated rape, and armed robbery, and sentenced to life in prison.

In the years since her passing, Colleen’s family and the community have worked tirelessly to ensure her legacy is defined by her kindness rather than the tragedy of her death. The Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund was established to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors who intend to pursue a career in education, helping others follow in her footsteps. As of 2026, the fund has awarded nearly $700,000 in scholarships to over 120 future teachers.

Annual events like the “Step Up for Colleen” 5K walk and run continue to bring thousands of people together to honor her memory. Her story remains a powerful reminder of the impact a dedicated teacher can have on a community, and her family continues to promote “Random Acts of Kindness” in her name to keep her positive spirit alive.

Early Life and Family Background

Childhood and Roots in Andover

Colleen Elizabeth Ritzer was born on May 13, 1989, in Lawrence, Massachusetts. She grew up in a tight-knit and loving household in Andover, a town she called home for her entire life. From a very young age, Colleen exhibited a nurturing spirit and a natural inclination toward helping others. Her family recalls that even at age three, she was inspired by her own preschool teacher, a bond that eventually blossomed into a lifelong mentorship.

Parents and Siblings

Colleen was the eldest child of Thomas (Tom) and Peggie Ritzer. Her parents described her as the “heart and soul” of their family. She shared a very close relationship with her two younger siblings, Daniel and Laura Ritzer. As the “big sister,” Colleen was a constant source of support and joy, often prioritizing family gatherings and milestones above all else.

Education: Pursuing a Calling

High School and Early Ambitions

Colleen attended Andover High School, where she was an active student and continued to foster her dream of becoming a teacher. Unlike many teenagers who struggle to find their path, Colleen knew her destination early. Her high school years were spent preparing for a career in education, driven by her desire to “shape the minds and lives of children,” as she later wrote in her college essays.

College Years at Assumption and Salem State

After graduating high school, Colleen enrolled at Assumption College (now Assumption University) in Worcester, Massachusetts. She excelled academically, majoring in Mathematics and secondary education. During her senior year in 2011, she completed her student teaching requirements, where her talent for making complex math concepts accessible became evident.

At the time of her passing in 2013, Colleen was not done with her own education. She was actively pursuing a graduate degree at Salem State University, balancing her full-time teaching career with her own studies to better serve her students.

Career: A Passion for Teaching

Joining Danvers High School

In 2012, Colleen Ritzer began her professional career as a math teacher at Danvers High School. For Colleen, teaching was not just a job; it was a calling. She was known for her “Yay Math!” attitude and her Twitter profile which famously stated she was “often too excited about the topics I’m teaching.”

Teaching Philosophy and Student Impact

Colleen had a unique ability to reach students who traditionally struggled with or disliked mathematics. She believed that math was an opportunity to nurture students to be good, responsible citizens.

Creative Methods: She often spent her evenings developing creative and exciting ways to present lessons.
Positive Environment: Her classroom was a sanctuary of positivity, adorned with inspirational quotes and a welcoming atmosphere.
Mentorship: Beyond equations and theorems, she acted as a mentor, often staying late to help students with both academic and personal challenges.

The Tragedy: Death and Investigation

October 22, 2013

The community was devastated when Colleen did not return home on the evening of October 22, 2013. After she was reported missing, a search of the Danvers High School campus led to a gruesome discovery. Early the next morning, her body was found in a wooded area behind the school.

The Suspect and the Crime

The investigation quickly identified Philip Chism, a 14-year-old student in Colleen’s Algebra class, as the primary suspect. Security footage from the school showed Chism following Colleen into a second-floor restroom after school hours. He was wearing a hood and gloves and was armed with a box cutter. The details of the crime were horrific: Colleen had been assaulted, raped, and murdered before her body was moved in a recycling bin to the woods.

Legal Proceedings and Conviction

Philip Chism was tried as an adult due to the severity of the crime. The trial, which concluded in late 2015, focused heavily on Chism’s mental health. However, the jury found him guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated rape, and armed robbery. In 2016, he was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years for the murder, plus additional sentences for the other charges. In 2025, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court reaffirmed his convictions, denying appeals based on his age and mental state.

Burial and Memorials

Funeral and Final Resting Place

Colleen Ritzer’s funeral was held on October 28, 2013, at St. Augustine Church in Andover. Thousands of mourners, including students wearing pink (Colleen’s favorite color), attended to pay their respects. She was laid to rest at Spring Grove Cemetery in Andover.

The Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund

To honor her legacy, her family established the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund. The fund’s primary mission is to provide scholarships to high school seniors who intend to pursue a career in education.

Scholarship Impact: As of 2026, the fund has awarded nearly $700,000 to over 120 future teachers.
The “Step Up for Colleen” 5K: This annual event in Andover draws thousands of participants every May to celebrate her life and raise money for the scholarship fund.

Personal Life and Legacy

Colleen was a woman of simple but profound joys. She loved the color pink, cherished time with her cousins, and was a fan of the TV show Homeland. Her social media presence was a reflection of her soul—filled with encouraging words for her students and love for her family.

Her legacy is now defined by the “Kindness” movement her family promotes. The phrase “Be Good to People” has become a rallying cry for the community, encouraging random acts of kindness in her memory.

Conclusion

The story of Colleen Ritzer is one of a life lived with immense purpose and a legacy that refuses to fade. While the world lost a gifted educator and a compassionate soul in 2013, her impact is felt every time a new teacher enters a classroom fueled by a Ritzer scholarship. Through the “Step Up for Colleen” events and the tireless work of her family, Colleen continues to teach us the most important lesson of all: that even in the face of darkness, there is something good in every day, and we must always choose to be good to people.