Colleen E. Ritzer, a lifelong resident of Andover and beloved daughter of Thomas and Peggie (Martellucci) Ritzer passed away on Tuesday, October 23, 2013. She was 24 years old.
Colleen was born in Lawrence on May 13, 1989 and was a communicant of St. Augustine Church in Andover. She was a 2007 graduate of Andover High School and a graduate of Assumption College in Worcester, class of 2011. She was currently pursuing a graduate degree at Salem State College. Colleen was a High School Math teacher and was employed by Danvers High School in Danvers. Prior to teaching at Danvers she taught for one year at Hale Middle School in Stow, MA.
Colleen adored spending time with her family; she was an amazing daughter and big sister. She loved attending family gatherings and parties no matter the location, as long as it meant spending as much time with family as possible. She was always thinking of others first. She loved going to her sister, Laura’s, hockey games and made a lasting impression on everyone who attended. She was one of her biggest fans. The love of her family and friends lead to her organizing a family team named “Footsteps for Bev” in memory of her grandmother. Colleen knew she wanted to be a teacher from a very young age and worked diligently to achieve her goal. Even though it was her profession, teaching was one of her favorite hobbies and her passion. She spent countless hours finding unique and creative ways to inspire and teach her students whom she loved. In addition, she always enjoyed vacationing, cruising, shopping, and making collages. She had many friends that she loved dearly. She always had a smile on her face and loved being in pictures no matter what mood she was in.
Besides her mother and father, Thomas and Peggie, Colleen will be very deeply missed by her loving brother; Daniel Ritzer of Andover, sister; Laura Ritzer of Andover, grandmother; Anne M. (Corcoran) Martellucci; Aunts and Uncles, Paul and Shirley Martellucci, Patricia and Robert Riley, Peter and Kathy Martellucci, Pamela and Dale Webster, David and Penny Ritzer, Patricia and Wayne Gordon, Susan and John Craig, Kathleen and John Yacavoni, and numerous cousins and second cousins. She was also the granddaughter of the late Paul S. Martellucci, Sr. and Edward and Beverly Ritzer.
Her funeral mass was celebrated in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover on Monday, October 28, 2013, at 10 AM. Many relative and friends were in attendance. Calling hours were held in St. Augustine Church on Sunday, October 27, 2013, from 3:30 to 8:30 pm. Interment was held in Spring Grove Cemetery in Andover. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Colleen Ritzer Memorial Scholarship. Gifts may be made online at www.eccf.org or mailed to:
Essex County Community Foundation
175 Andover Street
Danvers, MA 01923