Owner of Chicago Bears, Virginia Halas McCaskey, passed away on February 6, 2025, at the age of 102, leaving behind her nine children.
Virginia is survived by her six sons- Patrick, Edward Jr., George, Richard, Brian, and Joseph and three daughters- Ellen Tonquest, Mary, and Anne Catron.
Highlights
- Virginia Halas McCaskey passed away at 102 as the oldest owner in the NFL, leaving behind her nine children.
- Virginia’s children continue to actively play significant roles in the Chicago Bears organization.
- She lost her husband, Edward “Ed” McCaskey, in 2003 and her two sons, Michael McCaskey and Tim McCaskey, in 2020 and 2011, respectively.
Virginia was the eldest child of George Halas, the founder and long-time owner of the Chicago Bears, and his wife, Minnie Bushing Halas.
After the passing of her father in 1983, McCaskey took over the ownership of the Chicago Bears.
Her leadership and vision helped guide the team through many significant moments, including their victory in Super Bowl XX in 1986.
Although she preferred to stay out of the public eye, she was highly respected as a team owner in the organization and the NFL.
Statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on the passing of Virginia Halas McCaskey. pic.twitter.com/O0OV9BP62v
— NFL (@NFL) February 6, 2025
Virginia devoted her life to preserving her father’s legacy and nurturing her family’s longstanding bond with the Bears.
Further, she was among the few female owners in professional sports and was known for her dedication to the team.
Virginia And Edward Married In 1943, And Together, They Had 11 Children
Virginia met her husband, Edward “Ed” McCaskey, when she was a sophomore at the Drexel University in Philadelphia.
After dating for some time, they both attended the 1942 NFL Championship Game between the Chicago Bears and the Washington Redskins, hoping to ask Virginia’s father, George Halas, for permission to marry her.
The couple later tied the knot in 1943. Ed became the chairman after Virginia inherited the team from her father.
They had 11 children together. They had eight sons and three daughters- Michael, Tim, Patrick, Edward Jr., George, Richard, Brian, Ellen Tonquest, Mary and Anne Catron.
Unfortunately, Edward passed away in 2003, just months after celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.
Moreover, their children played and continue to play significant roles in the Chicago Bears organization.
Wishing Virginia Halas McCaskey a very happy 102nd birthday! 🎂 pic.twitter.com/jYczhKi9bO
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 5, 2025
Virginia’s eldest son, Michael McCaskey, served as president and CEO of the Bears from 1983 to 1999.
However, Michael McCaskey passed away on May 16, 2020, at the age of 76 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Her second oldest son, Tim, was also involved in the club and served as the Bears’ vice president from 1993 until his passing.
Tragically, Tim passed away on January 30, 2011, at the age of 65, after a 17-month battle with cancer.
Virginia Is Blessed With Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren and Great-Great-Grandchildren
Patrick McCaskey is a Chicago Bears board member and the Bears’ Vice President of Special Projects.
Further, he is also an author who has written many books on sports and faith.
Some of his notable books are Bear with Me: A Family History of George Halas and the Chicago Bears Patrick McCaskey and Papa Bear and the Chicago Bears’ Winning Ways Patrick McCaskey.
Following in the footsteps of his father and brother, Georga McCaskey became the chairman of the Chicago Bears in 2011.
Since his youth, George has actively participated in the Bears events, taking on various roles, including serving as the senior director of ticket operations.
Additionally, all of her children contribute to the Chicago Bears in various capacities, ensuring her legacy lives on.
Additionally, she is not only a mother but also a grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.
Her large and loving family consists of her 21 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
Nonetheless, she enjoyed a large and loving family, and her deep connection with them brought her joy and pride throughout her life.
Additional Information
- Virginia went to Drexel University, where she graduated with a degree in business management.
- She was an active member of the local Pi Sigma Gamma sorority, the Newman Club, the Panhellenic Council, and the YWCA.
- She has been the oldest owner in the NFL and in all major league sports in the United States since 2014.
