Chambana Sun

State Representative Brandun Schweizer announced the passing of Virginia Halas McCaskey, the longtime owner of the Chicago Bears. "She leaves [a] lasting impression on the game and Illinois history," he said in a Facebook post on February 6.

"Virginia Halas McCaskey was a matriarch and legend in Illinois for how much football history she has been able to witness up close," said Schweizer, according to Facebook. "As the owner of the Bears since 1983, Halas McCaskey was one of only 10 female owners in the nation as of 2022 and as of 2023, the oldest. She leaves lasting impression on the game and Illinois history."

In his post, Schweizer included a link to a Daily Herald article that detailed Halas McCaskey's life and her recent death. Halas McCaskey, who passed away at the age of 102 on February 4, had been the principal owner of the Chicago Bears since 1983, following the death of her father, George S. Halas. The Halas family has owned the team since 1921. Although her children managed most daily operations in recent years, she led the organization during its Super Bowl victory in 1985.

Screenshot of State Rep. Brandun Schweizer's Feb. 6 Facebook post | State Representative Brandun Schweizer's Facebook page

On February 8, the Chicago Bears confirmed Virginia Halas McCaskey's passing and released a statement from her family. The statement expressed that while they were saddened by her death, they found comfort knowing she lived "a long, full, faith-filled life." It also noted her presence at significant events such as the first indoor NFL game at Chicago Stadium in 1932. Under her ownership, the Bears achieved notable successes including five consecutive NFC Central Division championships from 1984 to 1988 and a Super Bowl win in 1985 against the New England Patriots.

According to Dignity Memorial's obituary for Virginia Halas McCaskey, she was preceded in death by her husband Edward McCaskey and sons Michael and Tim McCaskey. She is survived by several children: Ellie Tonquest, Patrick McCaskey, Mary McCaskey, Edward McCaskey Jr., Anne Catron, George McCaskey, Richard McCaskey, Brian McCaskey, and Joseph McCaskey. Her legacy extends to being a grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.

Schweizer was appointed to fill a vacancy in Illinois' 104th House District after Rep. Mike Marron's retirement. A retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant and former code enforcement inspector in Danville, he resides there with his wife and sons.