Moira (Holihan) Veiga

Moira “Mo” (Holihan) Veiga, of Coventry, passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2023, at the age of 76. She was born on November 23, 1946, to the late Elizabeth (Barton) and Edward Holihan and grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania on Front Street overlooking the Bay. 

Mo spent much of her childhood summers swimming in the Chestnut pool, close to her home. Being the shortest in the family, with a stuttering problem, Mo learned to “speak” her mind, much to the chagrin of her teachers at St. Benedict Academy. At the age of sixteen, her strong independent streak caught the eye of John “Jack” Veiga, and they married three years later in 1965. They had their firstborn, Lisa, and moved to Kent State University where Mo cared for her in an all-male dormitory. While at Kent, she bore a second daughter, Meg, and after Jack finished his doctorate, the family moved near the University of Connecticut, to Storrs, CT in 1972, where Jack joined the business faculty and Mo raised their daughters. With both daughters in high school, she decided to take a few courses at UConn. She proceeded to earn a bachelor’s degree in human development and then a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration at UConn. Soon after, she became an undergraduate academic advisor in the Business School helping countless students find their path, retiring in 2006.

Mo was beautiful, honest, and strong.  She was also outspoken, loving, and considerate.  Mo took great care to create order and beauty in both her home and her gardens. A UConn basketball fan, she followed the women's and men's teams. She loved to swim at the beach in Greenhill Rhode Island, spending 40 summers at their cottage there with family. 

Predeceased by her older sister Kit, she is survived by her husband Jack; her daughters Lisa Renzulli and her husband Mark, Meghan Connelly and her husband Billy; brother Patrick Holihan, and his wife Elizabeth; her many nieces and nephews, and grandchildren, Josh Connelly, Seth Connelly, Holly McAvoy, and husband Jeff, and her first great grandchild River McAvoy. Mo was a true original, who was cherished by all her family and friends. She will be deeply missed.  There are no calling hours.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Moira (Holihan) Veiga, please visit our floral store.