Colleen Ritzer Murder Update: Funeral Service For The Slain Danvers Math Teacher Will Take Place At St. Augustine’s Church On October 29
When news circulated last Wednesday that Danvers High School math teacher Colleen Ritzer had been found dead outside of the school she works in, many where aghast and saddened. Colleen Ritzer’s murder is the latest act of school violence this week that made police scrambling to a US school.
What’s more horrifying is that her student is being accused of the murder. Philip Chism,14, allegedly took the life of her teacher inside a school bathroom, using a box cutter to slash her throat.
Amidst police investigations and the overflowing supports, sincere messages and prayer vigils all throughout the country the beloved teacher’s funeral arrangements is now set.
According to a source from CNN via twitter:
Funeral for slain #Danvers teacher Colleen Ritzer scheduled for Monday at St. Augustine Church in Andover, MA. #CNN
— sgallman (@sgallman) October 25, 2013
According to andovertownsman.com, Ritzer’s funeral service and calling hours will take place Sunday from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m., also at St. Augustine Church.
"Everyone's understanding, compassionate and prayerful support of the Ritzer family is most appreciated," according to an email sent by St.Augustine Parish to its parishioners following the cancellation of the 5:30 Sunday mass in order to accommodate the wake. The supposed mass will be held instead at St. Michael Church in North Andover at 6:00 pm.
In other news, Assumption College, where Ritzer studied held an hour-long memorial service in the teacher’s honor; the service took place on the Worcester campus last Wednesday.
According to Ashley Marco, a friend and former dorm resident assistant to Colleen for two of her four years at the Roman Catholic College said, "She was one of those people that saw the good in others. She was positive. She came to events on campus, she was supportive of the college and the students."
College President Francesco Cesareo asked the people to keep Ritzer, her family, friends, students and other lost to violence in their thoughts and prayers. He also requested the people to even pray for those with troubled souls who carried out violence, including the 14-year –old student Philip Chism, who is now being accused of the murder.