CHICAGO — The public will have an opportunity to pay their respects and say goodbye to Virginia Halas McCaskey, the longtime owner and matriarch of the Chicago Bears, who passed away Thursday at the age of 102.
Oehler Funeral Home, at 2099 Miner Street in Des Plaines, will hold a visitation on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., according to an online memorial. A private funeral for family and friends will be held Wednesday.
McCaskey served as the owner of the Bears since her father and team founder George S. Halas died on Oct. 31, 1983. Her son, George, has been chairman of the Bears since 2011, when he took over that role from brother Michael.
“She lived a life of love, a life of greatness, of giving back in service,” said Jarrett Payton of GN Sports. “The way she treated people is always how she’ll be remembered in my heart. … Even though it’s sad, we celebrate her life.
Payton is the son of Bears legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton.
Virginia’s husband, Edward W. McCaskey, died in 2003.