Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey passes away at age 102
Virginia McCaskey, the owner of the Chicago Bears who inherited the team from her father, George Halas, has passed away at the age of 102. McCaskey, who held the position of principal owner for four decades, preferred to stay out of the limelight while guiding the Bears with a focus on what was best for the players, coaches, staff, and fans.
Following Halas’ passing in 1983, McCaskey took ownership of the team, continuing the tradition of family-run leadership. She entrusted operational responsibilities to her eldest son, Michael McCaskey, who later passed on the chairman role to her other son, George McCaskey, in 2011. Under her ownership, the Bears achieved victory in the Super Bowl in 1986 and reached the championship game again 21 years later.
Although McCaskey never anticipated taking on a leadership role within the organization, circumstances led her to become the steward of the team after the sudden passing of her brother, George “Mugs” Halas Jr. in 1979. She described the family’s ownership of the Bears as a custodial responsibility, honoring the legacy passed down through generations and ensuring that it would be preserved for the future.
Despite maintaining a low public profile and holding the title of secretary to the board of directors, McCaskey occasionally wielded her authority in important team decisions, acting as the matriarch of the family. Her commitment to the Bears was clear in her actions, including resolving a lawsuit brought by her late brother’s children through a stock buyout and expressing frustration with the team’s performance during a press conference in 2014.
A lifelong fan of the Bears, McCaskey’s passion for the team ran deep, influenced by her childhood experiences attending games with her family. She recalled moments from the early days of the NFL, such as the first playoff game she witnessed when she was just nine years old. Her dedication extended beyond the field, as she established the Bears Care program in 2005 to support various charitable initiatives benefiting disadvantaged children and families in the Chicago area.
Virginia McCaskey leaves behind a lasting legacy as a devoted owner, mother, and grandmother. Survived by her eleven children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, her impact on the Bears organization and the community will be remembered for years to come. Her commitment to excellence and dedication to the team’s success have left an indelible mark on the Chicago Bears and the NFL as a whole.