Johanna E. Veiga of East Hampton died at home of respiratory failure on May 24, surrounded by her extended family and her companion of 45 years, Carol Ann Crasson. She was 88 and had been in failing health for almost a year.
Ms. Veiga was a teacher of physical education and of New Jersey history in that state, and later a guidance and substance abuse counselor, until 1989, when she retired and moved from the West Village in Manhattan to live year round in East Hampton. She was fond of the town, Ms. Crasson said, and of the ocean and bay. She was an enthusiastic gardener and enjoyed carpentry.
Born in Elizabeth, N.J., on Dec. 13, 1931, Josephine Estelle Veiga was one of two daughters of Caesar Veiga and the former Josephine Bendick. She grew up there, graduating from Union High School and in 1953 earning a bachelor’s degree from Panzer College of Physical Education and Hygiene, which merged with Montclair State College in 1958.
She was on the physical education staff of the New Providence, N.J., School District, where she taught elementary and high school-level physical education and implemented a specific girls’ curriculum. She was also an adviser to the cheerleaders and the girls’ intramural and interschool programs.
She later joined the physical education staff at New Providence High School, where she remained until her retirement in June 1987 and where she developed a leaders program training students to assist other students in improving their physical skills. Along with several parents in the New Providence community, she also organized and implemented a family training program designed to develop better understanding and more effective communication between parents and children.
She eventually earned a master’s degree from Jersey City State College and became a member of the guidance department at New Providence High School, and the district’s first substance abuse counselor.
Ms. Veiga was an active and highly regarded member of School Chemical Health and Intervention Assistance Professionals of Union County, and of the New Jersey Association of Student Assistance Professionals.
“Johanna was a respected, devoted teacher, loved by her students, their parents, and the New Providence High School administration and teaching staff,” her companion wrote.
In addition to Ms. Crasson, Ms. Veiga is survived by a sister, Claire Minarck of South Plainfield, N.J., a niece and nephew, many cousins, and a friend, Kelly Foran, and her daughter, Grace Foran, whom she considered her own daughter and granddaughter.
She was cremated. There will be memorial gatherings in East Hampton and New Jersey at dates in the future. Memorial donations have been suggested for East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach 11978.
