Andrea Mae Rime
Andrea Mae Rime was born September 27, 1964, in Grand Rapids, MN, to Harold W. (Hal) and Winifred E. (Winnie) Rime. She passed away peacefully in Boston, MA, on August 25, 2020, after a brief illness.
After graduating from Grand Rapids (MN) High School, Andrea received her B.A. in English literature from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, and did graduate work in English at the University of Minnesota–Duluth. As an adult, she returned to school and earned her M.Ed. in Teaching English as a Second Language from Boston University in 2015.
After undergraduate school, Andrea served two years in the Peace Corps, teaching English in rural Kenya and developing a life-long passion for teaching. She spent her career teaching English to speakers of other languages at post-secondary schools in Boston and Mexico City, inspiring her colleagues, earning peer recognition, and impacting generations of students. At the time of her death, she was a professor of academic English with the international study program INTO at Suffolk University in Boston.
Andrea lived her life with fierce independence, sharp intellect, abundant humor … and lots of scarves. Over the years, her students introduced her to their many varied cultures, and her personal relationships took her to countries across the globe. Andrea was admired for her ability to live life to the fullest … but not so much for her ability to cook, or to lose gracefully at cards.
Andrea is survived by her parents Hal and Winnie, sister Robyn, brother Kent, nephews Griffin and Whitman, niece Claire, and loving friends around the world.
Due to COVID restrictions, a celebration of Andrea’s life will be planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that any memorial contributions be made to Gustavus Adolphus College or to your favored charity in her name.
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I have worked with Andrea over the past few years, so I have had a front row seat in to seeing her amazing ability as a professor. Our students loved Andrea so much and she made a difference in their lives! As a colleague, Andrea has a wonderful way of bringing humor and lightheartedness into the staff meetings. She always looked like she was ready to tell a joke or find a laugh in any situation.
I will miss her deeply!
I was in the Peace Corps with Andrea and I can close my eyes and see her smile lighting up the World. She is in my prayers. Wherever she went, she spread joy and enthusiasm. Love, Addison Walker
Andrea was my buddy during Peace Corps training and someone I rode the “matatu” with to and from training each day. After training, since we were in different parts of the country, we didn’t see each other very often. But when we did, I always enjoyed lifting a Tusker with her in the Pigale bar or other Nairobi watering hole. She was funny, kind, and a good friend in a faraway place. While we haven’t kept up in recent times, mention of her name always brought a smile to my face. I’m sad for her family and for all of us.
I was very sad to hear of Andrea’s passing. I went to Gustavus Adolphus College with her but I was in science classes our 4 years there, so I never got to truly know her there. But just a few months after graduation we found each other going into Peace Corps Kenya. It was so comforting to have a fellow Gustie on that journey with me. We ended up in different parts of the country … but all of us volunteers considered each other “family”. So we mourn with her friends & family now. Her smile was infectious & inviting. She left her mark on us all.
Every moment spent with Andrea, in person, reading letters, on the phone, online, was a gift. One of the nicest days I ever experienced was with Rime family on Independence Day many years ago. She was a miracle, and I will never forget her.
Tom Lucas
I was another Peace Corps friend of Andrea’s, from back in the late 1980s. The first thing I think of is her sharp and playful wit, then her smile (always a hint of mischief), then her readiness to play cards anywhere, anytime. Andrea was a loving soul who touched many and left a beautiful mark on this world. May she rest in peace. Blessings to her family and friends.
I worked with Andrea for several years and was fortunate enough to be able to actually witness her unique rapport with students from all over the world. She had the knack of winning over even the most challenging students.
We will all miss her greatly!
Andrea was my friend and colleague. She sat right next to me at work. I will miss the times that we quizzed each other on movie quotes or talked about life’s puzzles. Her never ending attempt to tell a funny joke always made me laugh! She complimented everyone on the smallest things they accomplished which made them feel like they won the lottery every time.
As she would have probably taught me to say given her Norwegian background (vi vil savne deg Andrea) We will miss you Andrea!
I was a classmate of Andrea’s at Gustavus. We met through the newspaper, and we had a lot of fun together in our final two years. Her letters from the Peace Corps were amazing — I was right there with her on the overcrowded bus, next to the woman with the live chickens. Peace to her family. She was a wonderful soul.
My condolences to the family. I knew her in the ’80s when we competed head-to-head in speech and National Forensic League competitions. It was a run, friendly rivalry between the I Falls and Rapids teams. While rivals, we enjoyed lots of fun conversation and I often wondered what became of this kind, quirky lady. Now I know she lived a full life of service.
Andrea was a colleague at BU with an office next door to mine. We shared a class one semester, and coordinating with her was effortless as well as fruitful. Ever since, she never failed to stop by my office to check in, often with a cup of coffee for me exactly as I took it. I loved her well-known sense of humor and her quick wit, her directness and her kindness. I am so sorry that she has passed away at such a young age, and will miss her.
I was a student of Andrea’s at CELOP a few years ago. She was one of the most influencing teachers I’ve ever had. Without her guidance and teaching, I wouldn’t be where I am right now.
I never got to thank her for all she did.
Andrea, thank you. You are cherished and appreciated.
I’ll miss you greatly!
Andrea was my english teacher during highschool in Mexico City. She taught us many things and as someone already mention she made a difference in our lives. I can remember how she arrived at class with a big smile and great attitude making that class one of my favorites. I will never forget that weekend assignment “Everyone should watch the Superbowl” that’s the only reason I started to like it… she is the most amazing teacher I had. I will always remember her. Thanks for everything Andrea!
I graduated high school with Andrea. She was such a bright light, a great speaker, and a fast runner. I remember in 9th grade having track and field day and she ran barefooted and blew my doors off. I’m so sorry for your loss.