ANDOVER, Mass. (AP) — The family of a slain Massachusetts school teacher has issued a statement one year after her death saying “each day is more difficult than the last.”

The statement from the parents and siblings of Danvers High School math teacher Colleen Ritzer issued Wednesday says while time has not made her death easier, they gain strength from family, friends and former students who continue to support them through emails, phone calls, visits and other efforts to remember their daughter.

They say they are grateful for all those who have been inspired to become teachers because of the Andover native’s passion.

In conclusion, the family says it wants people to remember Colleen’s words and “do something good” every day.

One of Ritzer’s former students, 14 at the time, has been charged with killing her.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.