Details of Visitation for Longtime Bears Owner Virginia McCaskey Announced
Virginia McCaskey, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday, passed away at the age of 102. Former Bears coach Dave Wannstedt shared heartfelt words in honor of her on her birthday.
The family of Virginia Halas McCaskey, the iconic owner of the Chicago Bears, has announced visitation details following her death. McCaskey, the longest-tenured NFL owner, took over the team after her father and founder, George S. Halas, passed away on October 31, 1983.
Her visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 11, from 1 to 8 p.m. at Oehler Funeral Home, located at 2099 Miner Street in Des Plaines. A private funeral mass for family and friends will take place the following day before her entombment.
“While we are sad, we are comforted knowing Virginia Halas McCaskey lived a long, full, faith-filled life and is now reunited with the love of her life on earth,” said the family in a statement. “She led the Bears for four decades, making decisions with the best interests of the team, players, coaches, staff, and fans in mind.”
Born in 1923, McCaskey grew up in a legendary football family, with her father George Halas both founding the Bears and the NFL. He was the team’s player, coach, and owner from its inception until his death. McCaskey became the principal owner after his passing, with her son Michael assuming the role of team chairman in 1999, followed by her son George in 2011.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed his condolences, saying, “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. Her faith, family, and football were her guiding principles, and she lived by the simple adage to always ‘do the right thing.’”
McCaskey’s tenure as Bears owner spanned over four decades, with her leadership rooted in her love for the team and its fans. She made it a point to attend games and was present for eight of the Bears’ nine World Championships. She guided the team to its first Super Bowl title in 1985.
Her commitment to family, faith, and football was evident in everything she did, as she supported those working with the Bears to do their best for the team. McCaskey, who always preferred to stay out of the limelight, worked to instill a family atmosphere throughout the Bears organization. Her belief in the Bears’ fans was unwavering.
McCaskey’s charitable work included the establishment of the Bears Care program in 2005, which has donated over $31.5 million to various agencies, improving the lives of those in the Chicagoland community, especially disadvantaged children and their families.
Born in Chicago to George and Min Halas, she was the oldest of two children. McCaskey attended St. Scholastica Academy and later Drexel University, where she met her husband, Edward W. McCaskey. They married in 1943 and had 11 children together. After Edward’s passing in 2003, McCaskey continued her work with the Bears until her death.
She is survived by six sons, three daughters, 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
