Kaya Wagner
Staff Writer
On Feb. 6, the Chicago Bears announced the death of their owner, Virginia Halas McCaskey, at age 102.
Born in Chicago on Jan. 5, 1923, Virginia Halas McCaskey was the eldest child of Bears founder George Halas. After the death of her father in 1983, McCaskey inherited the franchise, becoming the owner. Under her leadership, the Bears secured a Super Bowl XX win in 1986. Her career accomplishments went hand-in-hand with her devotion to her family, being married until her husband’s death in 2003 and having 11 children. The entire family was devoted to the Bears, serving several executive roles for the organization. McCaskey’s role in the NFL even led her to be entitled “the first lady of the NFL” by former commissioner Paul Tagliabue.
In a press release, the family shared their sorrow for the loss of McCaskey.
“While we are sad, we are comforted knowing Virginia Halas McCaskey lived a long, full, faith-filled life and is now with the love of her life on earth,” the family stated. “She guided the Bears for four decades and based every business decision on what was best for Bears players, coaches, staff and fans.”
McCaskey was never supposed to be the principal owner of the Chicago Bears franchise, yet that did not stop her from becoming a notable figure in the NFL. Throughout her career, McCaskey was faced with difficult decisions, such as when she had to replace her eldest son as team president. She made the tough decision to outsource the position in 1999 to Ted Philips, who was not a member of the family. This action was marked by McCaskey’s ability to conduct it with style and grace, something that became a signature part of her leadership style.
This loss has been tough on the NFL, with commissioner Roger Goodell sharing in a statement, “Virginia Halas McCaskey, the matriarch of the Chicago Bears and daughter of George Halas, the founder of the NFL, leaves a legacy of class, dignity, and humanity. Faith, family, and football – in that order – were her north stars and she lived by the simple adage to always ‘do the right thing.’ The Bears that her father started meant the world to her and he would be proud of the way she continued the family business with such dedication and passion. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the McCaskey and Halas families and Bears fans around the world.”
McCaskey is survived by 9 children, 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held Tuesday at Oehler Funeral Home in Des Plaines, Illinois, with a private funeral the following day at Saint Emily Catholic Church in Mount Prospect, Illinois.