Virginia McCaskey, proprietor of the Chicago Bears and daughter of NFL co-founder George Halas, died Thursday at 102.
McCaskey’s loss of life was introduced by her household. Her precise explanation for loss of life was not reported.
“While we are sad, we are comforted knowing Virginia Halas McCaskey lived a long, full, faith-filled life and is now with the love of her life on earth,” the McCaskey household stated. “She guided the Bears for four decades and based every business decision on what was best for Bears players, coaches, staff and fans.”
A uncommon lady in energy within the NFL, McCaskey most popular to stay within the background of Bears operations. Whereas she was intensely invested within the workforce’s success, she delegated most management to her late husband, Ed McCaskey, and their 11 youngsters.
“Maybe I’m not competent, but Ed and I found the people to do the job,” she stated in 2007 after the Bears gained the NFC Championship Sport and earned the best to play in Tremendous Bowl XLI.
Born Jan. 5, 1923, in Chicago, Virginia Marion Halas by no means anticipated to take over her household’s NFL franchise. Her father, George Halas, was one of many founders of the nascent skilled league, and he poured his coronary heart into its and his workforce’s success.
Virginia’s youthful brother, George “Mugs” Halas Jr., was groomed for many years to run the workforce. Nonetheless, he died of a surprising coronary heart assault in December 1979. When George Sr. died 4 years later, the workforce landed within the palms of Virginia and Ed.
Virginia McCaskey, workforce proprietor of the Chicago Bears is seen on a golf cart together with her son Michael McCaskey on the sector as they await the presentation of the George S. Halas trophy towards the New Orleans Saints throughout the NFC Championship Sport January 21, 2007 at Soldier Subject in Chicago, Illinois. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Photographs)
The Bears had nearly rapid success, successful the Tremendous Bowl after the 1985 season, however have since largely struggled to achieve these heights. Throughout her time in cost, McCaskey remained dedicated to retaining the workforce within the household.
McCaskey is survived by 9 of her 11 youngsters and quite a few grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by Ed in 2003 and two of her sons, Tim and Michael.
