CHICAGO – Virginia Halas McCaskey, the beloved matriarch of the Chicago Bears and the NFL’s longest-tenured owner, passed away on Thursday at the age of 102. Her family has announced visitation services to honor her remarkable life and legacy.
The visitation will take place on Tuesday, February 11, from 1 to 8 p.m. at Oehler Funeral Home in Des Plaines, Illinois. A funeral mass for family and friends will follow the next day, with a private entombment to conclude the services.
Born in 1923, Virginia McCaskey grew up in the shadow of football greatness. Her father, George S. Halas, was not only the founder of the Chicago Bears but also a pivotal figure in the creation of the NFL. Known as “Papa Bear,” Halas served as a player, coach, and owner, shaping the Bears into one of the league’s most storied franchises. Virginia inherited her father’s passion for the game and his commitment to excellence, stepping into the role of principal owner after his death in 1983.
For four decades, McCaskey guided the Bears with a steady hand, ensuring the team remained true to its roots while navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving league. Her family described her as a woman of deep faith and integrity, who made every decision with the best interests of the players, coaches, staff, and fans in mind. “While we mourn her passing, we find comfort in knowing Virginia Halas McCaskey lived a long, fulfilling, and faith-driven life and is now reunited with the love of her life,” the family said in a statement.
Though her son Michael assumed the role of team chairman in 1999, followed by her son George in 2011, Virginia remained a guiding force for the franchise. Her leadership was marked by humility and a genuine love for the game. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praised her legacy, saying, “Virginia Halas McCaskey, the heart and soul of the Chicago Bears and daughter of NFL founder George Halas, leaves behind a legacy defined by grace, integrity, and compassion. Her guiding principles—faith, family, and football—shaped her every decision, and she lived by the simple yet profound belief to always ‘do the right thing.’”
McCaskey’s life was a testament to her father’s vision and her own unwavering dedication. She carried the Halas name with pride, ensuring the Bears remained a cornerstone of the NFL. Her influence extended far beyond the football field, as she was deeply involved in her community and cherished by those who knew her personally.
As the Bears family and fans mourn her passing, they also celebrate the indelible mark she left on the sport and the city of Chicago. Her legacy is one of resilience, kindness, and an unshakable commitment to doing what was right. The team her father built was her lifelong passion, and she honored his memory by preserving its traditions while embracing the future.
Virginia McCaskey’s passing marks the end of an era, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of Bears fans and the NFL community. Her family, including her sons Michael and George, grandchildren, and extended relatives, ask for privacy during this difficult time. They also extend their gratitude to the countless fans who have shared their condolences and memories of a woman who meant so much to so many.
In the words of her family, Virginia Halas McCaskey “lived a life of purpose and left the world better than she found it.” As the Bears and their fans prepare to say goodbye, they do so with gratitude for her leadership, her love, and her enduring legacy.