Derry, NH: Joan (LeJeune) Virga, 63, of Derry, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, January 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, after a courageous battle of an extended illness. Born in Torrington, Connecticut, Joan was a beloved daughter of the late Alexander and Louvima (Meyer) LeJeune. She was raised in Winchester, Connecticut, where she built lifelong friendships and attended schools in Winsted. A proud graduate of The Gilbert School, Joan was a cheerleader and a passionate musician, participating in both the High School Band and Jazz Band. Music remained close to her heart throughout her life. She went on to attend The Hartford Conservatory, where she earned her Associate’s Degree and met the love of her life and future husband, Joe.

For the past seventeen years, Joan made her home in Derry, where she shared her talents generously and wholeheartedly. She was a cherished music teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas School and Stepping Stone Pre-School, both in Derry, and she touched many lives through her private piano and flute lessons. A faithful and active member of Saint Anne’s Parish in Hampstead, Joan served her church for many years as organist, choir director, and youth minister. She lovingly organized music for parish pub and cabaret nights in the parish hall and treasured her time with the parish staff, especially during their “Takeout Tuesday” gatherings.

Joan found joy in life’s simple and meaningful pleasures. She was an avid reader who loved cooking, walking, and trail hiking through the local rail trails. Above all else, she was a loving wife, and an extraordinary mother and grandmother, who poured her heart into her daughters and three grandsons. She spent countless hours spending time with her grandchildren: planning adventures, discovering playgrounds, museums, and nature trails, creating crafts, sharing music, introducing new recipes, and nurturing their curiosity with a presence that was joyful, attentive, and endlessly loving. Joan also valued caring for her health and wellbeing and enjoyed staying active, especially through pickleball. Over the years, she traveled with the parish choir to Ireland, Montreal, and Quebec, sharing music and offering mini concerts in local parishes along the way.

Joan will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of thirty-nine years, Joseph P. Virga; her two daughters, Maria E. Virga of Claremont, New Hampshire, and Laura E. Kling and her husband Jeff of Candia, New Hampshire; her beloved grandchildren, Luka Kling, Levi Kling, and Micah Kling; her brother and sister-in-law, David and Leslie LeJeune of Marlborough, Connecticut; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Sharon and Steve Hamilton of Eagle, Alaska, Gerry and Larry Norene of Anchorage, Alaska, Susan LeJeune and Neil Richard of Putnam, Connecticut, Carol and Paul Parent of Winsted, and Vicki and Jim Hester of Winsted; her sister-in-law, Leona LeJeune of Winsted, Connecticut; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her brothers, Arlan LeJeune and Barry LeJeune.

Calling hours for Joan will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Saint Anne’s Church, Emerson Avenue, Hampstead. The Rite of Reception will begin at 3:45 p.m. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Anne’s Church. Burial will take place in the spring at Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Anne’s Parish, 26 Emerson Avenue, Hampstead, New Hampshire. To send a message of condolence or share a cherished memory, please visit brooksidechapelfh.com.