Bill > HR0144

This resolution mourns the death of Virginia Halas McCaskey, the principal owner of the Chicago Bears and daughter of the NFL team's founder George Halas, who passed away on February 6, 2025, at the age of 102. The resolution highlights her significant legacy in professional football, noting that she inherited the team after her brother's unexpected death and became one of ten female NFL owners, ultimately becoming the longest-tenured owner in the league. McCaskey was deeply connected to the Bears, having attended her first game at age two and officially serving as the team's secretary and board member, with her family maintaining 80% ownership of the franchise since 1921. The resolution emphasizes her private nature, strong Catholic faith, and commitment to family, mentioning that she had 11 children, 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. It specifically recognizes her role during the Bears' successful period, including their dominant Super Bowl XX victory in 1985, and her final Bears game on January 5, 2025, which was a win against the Green Bay Packers. The document formally expresses condolences to her family and fans, and resolves to present a copy of the resolution to her family as a gesture of sympathy.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=144&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HR&SessionID=114&GA=104