Mrs. McCaskey was my best friend's mom. She was always the kindest, most caring person in all of the nearly sixty years of knowing her. She had a hug for me whenever I saw her and her smile was so contagious. She will be missed dearly and I only wish more people got to know her as I did over the years. She was truly the model of how to live your life while on this earth. It has been difficult for me to lose two McCaskeys in the same year but they both left me many great memories to last my lifetime.

To Virginia's Family,

We used to live next door to Virginia.  She was so gracious and kind.  When we moved in she welcomed us and gave us tickets to a Bears game.  We loved when we saw her Bears flag being raised after a win.  Our sincere condolences, she will be missed.

Mike, Lynne, Alyson and Kyle Cook

Dear McCaskey Family,
I offer my sincere condolences to you on the loss of mother/grandmother/great grandmother and matriarch Virginia McCaskey! I for one will the dignity and grace with which she went about her duties as a an owner of a professional sports franchise! I admire her strength of faith and family! That her father thought so highly of her to entrust the team to Virginia was so revelatory! 
As a lifelong Bears fan I would like to say! I wish there could have been more championships in Virginia 's later years! I will miss her unflappability no matter the time and circumstances! That she took on a task she did not ask for and saw it through! As a Loyola University Chicago alumni,  there's a building on their Lakeshore Campus named for Virginia 's father George Halas! We have not played football since the 1930's when the Bears were already cementing their legacy! This speaks not only to Virginia 's faith but also her family 's!
As a Bears fan I witnessed Good, The Bad and the Ugly! I never blamed the Virginia or her family! I hope you never sale the team! Some of the people you hired should have done better! Should not have fired Lovie! But I digress! I have 'Brian's Song's(the original not the remake), The 1985 Bears DVD, and The Super Bowl Shuffle! In closing, to grand lady May The Lord welcome you to Paradise! May The Lord bless you and keep you! May The Lord bring His Continence upon you and give you peace! May The Lord continue to provide solace to Virginia McCaskey Family during this time and always! Amen!

I met your loving mom, but did not know it. I am also a "daily masser" - not as often (I work days) - but I go when I can. Often I am saying silent prayers. I want you to know that in her humility, your mom was amazing and touched others just with a sincere smile. I've been praying for for weeks for her and for her dear family and friends. Gentle and humble, that was Virginia. 
As it was said to me, "Be gentle to yourself".

Myself, I am Deaf. Long time Bears fan. Virginia inspired me. I sang national Anthem for Chicago Bears home game 3 years ago in America sign language.  She will be missed. ❤️🙏

I was honored to get to know Virgina a little bit at the PT clinic where I was working. She took the time to get to know me.  I was amazed at how down to earth she was.  She was so nice to.  It was an honor to know her and learn from her example of generosity with her time and interest in people.  Wendy Bohning

Never met Virginia but she was the Iron Lady of American football!   In my thoughts and prayers.

A sad day for those left behind. 
A wonderful and impactful life lived by an iconic matriarch.
What a joyous blessing to so many.
Our heartfelt condolences for the family during this difficult time.
May you find comfort in The Lord and keep wonderful memories of Virginia close.

Our condolences to the family.  Although we never met Mrs. McCaskey we saw her throughout the years at Training Camp and other events.  She was a lovely lady.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.
George Durr and Gail Freund

To the McCaskey Family,
As life long Bears' fans, we wanted to send our heart felt sympathy and prayers in honor of your Mom.  Take care.

My sincere condolences to the Family of Mrs. McCaskey. Especially to my friend Mary. To all who loved her and will miss her, bless you all.

Prayers for the McCaskey family.
Virginia was my friend.  She was a friend to the ladies at the neighborhood fitness center.  She was always loving and supportive. She always gave me extra hugs.  I was blessed to know her as   "Virginia".  She was bleesed to have a haven outside of the spotlight.  Thank you for your loving kindness. You will ALWAYS  have a place in my heart.
Geri Wozniak (from the Y)

Our condolences to the mccaskey family. David went to school with Rick at St. Emily’s. I know my Dad  (Frank Auer)had great memories of Virginia.  He would talk to her at church or at Walgreens. She was a very nice lady.

My condolences to the family and the entire Chicago Bears organization and fan base....she carried her Fathers  legacy forever and was so passionate about the sport, team and players.

God Bless,
RIP: Baby Bear Halas

My condolences to the McCaskey family on the loss of your mother. She was a very generous person. 
My late in-laws lived next door to her on Cornell Ave. She invited my in-laws, my husband , myself and the immediate neighbors in 2004 to the owners box at the new renovated stadium for a game. It was very exciting and an honor to be invited. 

Vanessa Davis

My deepest condolences goes to the family of Virginia McCaskey.

Virginia's generosity to St. Cyprian School in River Grove helped keep the School open a few extra years.  She had a great love of Catholic Schools and helped support several of them.  May God reward her goodness now.

Recalling the peaceful presence of your dear mother. She lived and practiced her faith and was an inspiration to everyone she met. Enjoyed spending time with her at The Willows Academy events. 
With our deepest sympathy, 
Irene & Joseph Hercik

Our thoughts and prayers are with the McCaskey family during this difficult time. She was a strong, determined, and compassionate woman and will be missed greatly.

As a United Airlines flight attendant, I was lucky enough to know Mrs. McCaskey over 20+ years flying the team’s charters to away games.  She was kind, gracious, unassuming, and always smiling, especially after a Bears’ victory as we flew the team back to Chicago. What a beautiful, long life she had, and what an example she set for all of us. My deepest sympathy to her entire family and the Bears’ organization. May her memory be a blessing and bring you comfort.

sincere condolences to all, will be forever remembered in many ways and always a part of Chicago history rest in peace 

Rich Guidice

Sincere condolences to the family.  She was a kind and wonderfully warm person.  Prayers sent.  The Thomas Orawiec Family

Brian, Barb and the whole McCaskey family,

May your loving mother Rest in Peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Deepest sympathies to the families of Mrs. Virginia McCaskey.  You were admired by many and your legacy live on.
Thanks for all the great and not so great Bears memories.
This year looks promising sorry you will not be here to see it.  But keep looking down and sending good vibes.

My deepest sympathy to the McCaskey family!

We, in our church, all witnessed Mrs McCaskey’s unwavering faith, her devotion to Mother Mary and her SHINING humility, generosity, simplicity, and kindness. What an invaluable impact she had made to us!

I will always remember her quiet strength. Despite her health decline in recent months, she tried to continue to attend our devotion. One particular Thursday last year, it happened that we were the only two present for our prayer. At first I thought that she would cancel it, however she chose to continue. Even with her shortness of breath, she prayed alongside me with such strong piety.

Another incident I recall was when I lost my car key in the church. I went back inside to look for my missing key. At that time, most people had left but Virginia was still there finishing her prayers. She saw me and after knowing my predicament, she immediately offered to drive me home to get my spare key. At that time, she was in her 90’s, her compassion and generosity were just so inherent in her.

Virginia, you had a wonderful life and your worldly missions, well-accomplished. Now, your rewards are waiting for you in Heaven. While we mourn your loss, we also celebrate the BEAUTIFUL life you lived. This is not a goodbye, but until we meet again!

With much sympathy,
D Salgado

The William (Billy) DeCicco Family is deeply sadden with Virigina's passing.  We feel so Blessed that  she was able to attend dad's (Billy DeCicco's) memorial at 101.   (In the past seeing her at the Ed Block Award Luncheons, have always been a treat to see her, as well as at the Brian Piccolo Award Ceremonies in April each year.  We will surely miss seeing her smiling face.  She was truly a cherished friend, as well as Ed & Family.  I am sure there are many stories that could be shared, but we will always remember her beautiful smile, calm, soothing voice with intent to pay close attention to our chats and everyone that she spoke with.  My mom, Maryellen ,is feeling deeply sadden with not seeing her this past December, but is smiling knowing she is in a better place & seeing the love of her life.  God's Blessing to the entire family!  Go Bears!  With Love, Maryellen DeCicco, Michelle DeCicco Hippler & Mark Hippler, & Family,  Mitchell & Lisa DeCicco & Family.

Dear Mary; Brian; Kevin; and Laura, Lillian, Evan, Leah, and Ethan; and other Members of theFamily,

As the Director of Alumni Relations Emeritus, I offer you the sympathy and prayers of the Saint Viator High School community.  Our hearts go out to you as you begin your journey of grief.  We pray for you as you share the stories, laugh and cry, and continue to find ways to celebrate your mother, your grandmother, your great-grandmother, and the love you shared.

As I read the obituary for this "beloved wife…loving mother…cherished grandmother, great-grandmother, and great great- grandmother," who as her son George described her, was a woman of "grace, quiet dignity, humility and gratitude…," I was reminded of the following reading adapted from the Book of Sirach. 

“Let us praise an illustrious woman,
faithful to her family and friends, strong in her love.
At peace in her heart and her world,
she has left us her good name, and we recount her life of praiseworthy deeds.
A generous woman her good works will never be forgotten.
Among her family and friends remains a rich inheritance born of her….
Her name lives on from generation to generation.
We gather to sing her praises.
We proclaim her wisdom and love of life all our days.”

May God’s promise that life is changed, not ended, comfort you.
May the knowledge your mother, your grandmother, your great-grandmother lives on in your goodness give you peace and hope.

God bless you with the gifts you most need!
Judith

Judith Wampach Amberg 
Saint Viator High School Director of Alumni Relations Emeritus

My sincere condolences to all of the McCaskey family. Mrs. McCaskey was always so gracious and welcoming whenever we were together at Laura and Eric’s family events. She was a remarkable faith-filled woman who shared her blessings with so many others. 
May your happy memories bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.

The wife and children of the late John E. Seitz (former Mayor of Des Plaines and usher at St. Emily Catholic Church) extend deepest condolences. It was a pleasure to know Virginia. We admired her grace and passion for her community and church and are keeping her family in our thoughts and prayers. May you look back on precious memories knowing the impact she made on the world around her.

We should all aspire to be more like her in living our Christian values - compassionate, kind and un-assuming; a blessing  to the world.  I pray she is living her Heavenly reward. My condolences to all who loved her.

My deepest sympathy to the entire McCaskey family on the loss of your strong and devoted matriarch, who was a wonderful Christian woman. I enjoyed my occasional interactions with her through Bears Care. 

As we say in the Orthodox Church, 
MEMORY ETERNAL!

Dr. Pete Jokich

So sorry for your loss of a very faith-filled woman. She never quit letting us know the wonders of her God.  For that she is in the hall of fame.

Prayers In Gratitude for the life of
Virginia. She can now join Ed in
The kingdom

Lives have been blessed with Virginia's faithful life!

To the McCaskey Family, your Matriarch has also given to Relevant Radio her loving heart. Virginia will always be remembered for her prayerful, kind and generous support of this broadcast Apostalate. . 
We are indebted to her and to you all for this great beginning in Chicago and now nation wide. 
 
God speed Virginia and I can hear the song played when she enters her heavenly life. "When the saints go marching in"

Mark Follett
Founder, Relevant Radio

My condolences to the McCaskey family. More than 20 years ago, I wrote a book about the firehouse across from Wrigley Field, where my dad served the first 14 years of his firefighting career. In it, I mention George Halas several times and thought Mrs. Halas would enjoy seeing it, so I sent her a copy from one proud daughter to another. To my utter shock, she sent me a lovely handwritten letter! I will cherish it forever. That's when I knew what a classy woman your mom is. May she rest in peace.

Our family worked with The Bears for many years, starting with The Late Ron Zera, who was both Bears and visiting clubhouse manager starting at Wrigley Field and as assistant equipment manager as well. I met Virginia's son Brian when I was telecommunications engineer at Soldier Field many years later. Brian told me how Ronnie always treated him and his brother extremely well when they were young boys at football games. 

Our deepest condolences to you and your family, Brian, on the loss of your Mom. We knew her from attending Mass at Maryville and St. Emily's. God Bless You all!

Marty Hoffman and Debbie Zera-Hoffman

Hello Halas (McKaskey) family God bless you a wonderful people from Lavell Cox (former Bear and family) I remember a few years ago but nused to see her reserve and still active I the acquisition and the decision making of the Super Bowl francise  was glad to see her patience and her motivation that she got from George Halas Papa Bear a whole Chicago Land has a great motivation again to remember of one of the Decendents if the Great Plains we Love you the advocate for Non -Violence Amen Lavell Cox 4148280130

To the McCaskey Family,

I never knew your mother, but she was truly an amazing woman, one whom I greatly admire. May she rest in eternal peace. My deepest condolences.

Sincerely, a fan

To the McCaskey Family

I am so very sorry for the loss of your mom. I had the great pleasure of meeting Mrs. Virginia Halas McCaskey and I will always remember she was so lovely and kind.  She was a beautiful lady inside and out.

May God Bless you all
Rosemary Maria

Just a bears fan & Chicago resident for 32 years.  Condolences to the entire McCaskey family and know how many people truly loved and appreciated your mom.  This lady seemed to me like a very genuine, caring and classy woman.  I always thought it was cool that she inherited the team from Mr. Halas despite not being planned that way.  This makes winning and losing seem not terribly important for a few days and causes me to think about it being more important to live your life well and leave a legacy.  You know she will be watching every Sunday.  Thanks for the memories Mrs. McCaskey.   Enjoy your new heavenly home and always BEAR DOWN!!!

I always looked forward to Ed & Virginia coming to visit their friends(my parents)  in Toronto. I was lucky enough to be able to call them Uncle  Ed & Aunt Virginia. We went to some Bears games in Detroit. Ed and Virginia made sure we were ok.
The best- staying with them in Des Plaines -getting to know the kids who were around, and going to the Bears games at Soldier Field. Virginia was not only the matriarch of the NFL, she was the matriarch of a wonderful family. I will never forget playing touch football with George. He ran circles around me. Thanks for the memory George.
Sincerest condolences to the McCaskey family. Your parents will remain in my heart forever.

Scott Conacher

As a Former Honey Bear Cheerleader for the greatest team in NFL I love Football. Virginia carried on the love for Football and the Chicago Bears we are women that love the games. Virginia legacies just like her Dad George will live on forever. Love you Virginia and thank you for you love the Chicago Bears and its player. Yes Virginia both of us loved Walter Payton and Brian's Song the movie made me love Brian Piccolo.  Virginia you and dad George will have a Field day again establish another NFL team in Heaven . GOD BLESS YOU VIRGINIA.  PRAYERS CONDOLENCES AND THOUGHTS TO FAMILY  THE CHICAGO BEARS ORGANIZATION 🐻 FRIENDS PLAYERS OF THE CHICAGO BEARS AND FANS. YES I STILL ATTEND GAMES 77 TOTAL . I LOVE THE CHICAGO BEARS.... DD HONRY BEAR

I never had the pleasure of meeting Mrs McCaskey yet I feel as though I did through all of love and support for Chicago through the bears. Rest in peace and #BeatDown

Sorry for your loss,  my late mother (Jeremy) told me she used to deliver medicine from her father (my grandfather) pharmacy (Hynes Pharmacy) to Virginia and Ed.

I never knew Virginia. I was a classmate of Pat's at St. Marys in Des Plaines.  My sympathy goes out to her family. Cathy Greene(Byrne).

My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Your Mom was a wonderful person and a good friend to me when I  needed it most. 
Eileen Siffermann

Very simply a thank you from a lifelong fan. You were the last historical link to the Bears and the NFL.
Your Dad Papa Bear, your husband Ed, Your two sons , and all the great Bears who have already passed will be waiting for you with open arms. 

Jim Nowdomski

Thank you, Virginia, for the many decades of steady support and guidance of your beloved Bears. You represented the team with devotion, dignity, humility and class.  You were a shining example of what it is to lead. Prayers to the entire McCaskey family on a sad and reflective moment for all Bears fans.

Condolences to the family of Virginia Halas McCaskey.  She was a wonderful woman who helped lead the Chicago Bears football team into the hearts of football fans around the country.  She will be dearly missed.

I met Virginia 1st at the 100th Bears Weekend. Such a sweet spirit thanking her for her accomplishments and she turned around and thanked me for all the community service I do. I'm forever grateful for her life and her love to football. I will cherish these memories forever. The Chicago Bears 2023 Fan of The Year
Shameka Leach

I didn’t know Mrs. McCaskey personally, but I been a fan since before I was even born. My family are from North Chicago and my grandfather and Aunt always watch The Bears, they were lifetime fans and even if I didn’t like football I had to.  With that being said, to the family I’m so sorry for your loss and I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. 
She just waited to see her Bears beat the Packers!!! Take your rest MOMMA BEAR!!🐻🏈🧡💙

My heartfelt condolences, Virginia’s commitment to the Chicago Bears were immense , however I feel her contributions  to society in so many ways may have far outweighed and will be cherished and remembered by many 🙏❤️
Pattie (Schneider) Hampton

To the McCaskey Family,

Even though I didn't know Mrs. McCaskey I have grown up with "DA BEARS" for the past 60yrs.  I am very proud of how she always took the time to be involved with the organization.  To myself George might have been "Papa Bear," I considered her "Mama Bear!"  Faith, family and football were her order of business and the Good Lord will welcome her in with "WELCOME MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!" Win, tie or lose I forever will be proud to say that I am a Chicago Bears fan! God Bless the McCaskey family, you have my sympathies and prayers. Better Days Ahead for the family and the team!!! GO BEARS!

To George, Barbara and Grant.  Saw in the local Kansas newspaper the passing of your mother / grandmother.  Just a short note of condolence.  As former residents of Sycamore, was a pleasure to get to know your family, whether through cantering at church, or teaching religion class, through the community theater, or through high school plays.

From the news article, it appears Virginia was an amazing woman.  May she truly rest in peace.

Sincerest sympathies,
Al and Laurie Lang
Kyle, Katie, Keith, Kameron

My  deepest condolences to  the  family. May she  rest in peace  with  God.

With fondness and gratitude, I will always remember being in the presence of Ms. Virginia Halas McCaskey. She was the embodiment of class, sense of humanity, witty and sweet kind soul. We shared a passion for the Chicago Bears as her the owner and myself being a 40+  years Season Ticket Holder of the Chicago Bears! She always called me by my name and ask me how was I doing. Rest in peace, for me you will always be the Queen of the NFL!

Harrison K. Green

As a United Airlines Global Services Concierge it was a privilege and honor to provide excellent travel experiences to the McCaskey family. It was not a difficult task at all. Just so easy and down to earth. I will always cherish this picture of myself ,George McCaskey, Barbara Love McCaskey and of course Ms. Virginia Halas McCaskey!

Sincerely,,
Harrison K. Green

With deepest sympathy, my condolences to the McCaskey family.  
I used to drive my classmates to Notre Dame high school in the mid seventies. A few times while picking up Scott Sullivan I would pick up Brian, who was down the street. On one such occasion I saw Mrs Virginia McCaskey and she was like a lighthouse on a dark night.  Beaming. 
Kevin Christiansen  class of 77

We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Virginia. Amazing to reach the remarkable age of 102 is a testament to her strength and the love she shared with those around her. 

During this difficult time, may the entire McCaskey family find comfort in the cherished memories you have of her and the legacy of love she leaves behind. We hope she has found eternal peace, resting among the beautiful moments of her life.

Please know that our thoughts are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.

With deepest sympathy,

Baron/McGinn families

For all you have done for this city over the decades, thank you Mrs. McCaskey.

Dear McCaskey Family,

I am writing to express my deepest condolences on the passing of Mrs. Virginia McCaskey. Her remarkable legacy, both as the matriarch of the Chicago Bears and as a pillar of kindness, grace, and strength, will forever be remembered.

On behalf of the Chivini family, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the love and warmth she provided—not only to us but to the entire Bears family and community. Her unwavering dedication to the team, her faith, and her family embodied the values that so many of us hold dear. She was more than an owner; she was a guiding light, a constant presence, and a true ambassador of the game we love.

Mrs. McCaskey’s leadership and devotion ensured that the Chicago Bears remained not just a football team but a family, united by tradition, perseverance, and excellence. Her generosity and kindness reached beyond the field, touching lives in ways that can never be measured.

As you mourn her loss, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We celebrate her extraordinary life and the countless ways she made the world a better place. May her legacy continue to inspire generations to come.

With deepest sympathy and gratitude,

The Chivini Family

My condolence to the mccaskey family.You will be missed by all chicago family Rest in peace virginia Mccaskey

My deepest condolences. Thank you for everything.

Family and friends of Mom, 
My condolences for the loss of a great lady.  I wish her a joyful afterlife.  May our family and friends be supported through this difficult time.

Her Loving Son, 

Joseph

My sincere condolences to the entire Halas/McCaskey family. What a sweet lady. Prayers

Denny Nicholson

To the McCaskey family, so sorry about the loss of Virginia Halas  Mc Caskey.
I been a Chicago Bears fan for a long time she will be missed.

I am so sorry for your loss….your mom, grandmother and great grandmother and friend to many is in heaven with God and Ed…she was a wonderful mother and an example of what good is! God bless her and all of her family……..Tom

Virginia lived in our old neighborhood in Des Plaines. She would always say hello when we'd walk by with our baby strollers and dog. So nice, friendly and unassuming.   May she rest in peace.

OBITUARY

Virginia Halas McCaskey

January 5, 1923 – February 6, 2025

Oehler Funeral Home

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