Virginia McCaskey, the longtime owner of the Chicago Bears and a woman deeply devoted to her faith and family, has passed away at the age of 102.

Her remarkable life was defined by her unwavering commitment to three things: faith, family, and football.

As the daughter of NFL co-founder George “Papa Bear” Halas, she carried on a legacy that shaped the sport for generations.

A Legacy Rooted in Football and Faith

McCaskey’s journey as the principal owner of the Bears began in 1983 when she inherited the team after her father’s passing.

This transition came after the unexpected death of her brother, George “Mugs” Halas Jr., in 1979, which left her as the heir to one of the most storied franchises in football history.

Despite her initial reluctance, she stepped into the role with quiet strength, ensuring that the values her father instilled remained at the heart of the organization.

Under her leadership, the Bears secured their first Super Bowl victory in 1986, cementing her place in the franchise’s rich history.

While the team faced challenges over the years, McCaskey herself remained widely respected among fans and NFL circles alike for her integrity and dedication.

A Life Guided by Faith

Born on January 5, 1923, Virginia McCaskey was raised in a household where faith played a significant role.

Her father was a devout Catholic of Czech descent, and her mother, originally a German Lutheran, later converted to Catholicism.

McCaskey’s grandmother, who lived with the family part of every year, was known for her daily recitation of the rosary—a devotion that would profoundly influence Virginia’s own spiritual practices.

McCaskey’s education was steeped in faith as well.

She attended St. Hillary’s elementary school and later graduated from St. Scholastica High School in Chicago before continuing her studies at Drexel University in Philadelphia.

Her commitment to Catholicism only deepened as she became involved in various religious organizations, including the World Apostolate of Fatima and Opus Dei, where she supported their mission of faith formation and education.

A Strong Advocate for Pro-Life Values

Throughout her life, McCaskey was a staunch advocate for pro-life causes.

She was an outspoken supporter of the movement and frequently participated in events such as the March for Life in Chicago.

Her commitment extended beyond public advocacy—she and her late husband, Ed McCaskey, actively supported numerous pro-life organizations.

One particularly defining moment came early in her marriage when she learned that an abortion clinic was set to open across from her local hospital.

Seeing it as a direct attack on her community’s values, McCaskey took action, going beyond writing checks or letters to engage with advocacy groups, including the American Life League.

She remained a steadfast supporter of their work for decades.

Her dedication did not go unnoticed. In 2009, McCaskey was honored with the “People of Life” award by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

While accepting the award, she humbly dedicated it to the “little old ladies” who pray the rosary, donate to pro-life causes, and attend daily Mass—people like herself who quietly fight for what they believe in.

A Family Built on Faith and Football

McCaskey and her husband Ed, who passed away in 2003, built a large and loving family together.

She is survived by nine of their 11 children, as well as an extensive lineage that includes 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

One of her sons, Pat McCaskey, a Chicago Bears executive, has often spoken about the deep influence of his parents’ faith.

In a 2018 interview, he reflected on their belief that “being a good Catholic is more important than winning,” while also acknowledging that faith and success in sports can go hand in hand.

Pat co-founded Sports Faith International, an organization recognizing athletes who exemplify strong moral values, further cementing the family’s dedication to faith-based leadership.

Remembering a Trailblazer

Virginia McCaskey’s passing marks the end of an era for the Chicago Bears and the NFL as a whole.

She was widely known as “The First Lady of the NFL,” not just because of her ownership status, but because of the grace, strength, and humility with which she carried herself.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell paid tribute to her legacy, emphasizing her deep love for the team and the respect she commanded throughout the league.

“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,” he stated.

Though McCaskey’s presence will be deeply missed, her influence will endure through the generations of family members she guided, the football franchise she helped sustain, and the faith-based initiatives she supported.

Her life was one of service, love, and an unshakable belief in doing the right thing—a legacy that will continue to inspire many for years to come.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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