Chicago Bears owner Virginia Halas McCaskey dies at 102

Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Longtime Chicago Bears owner Virginia Halas McCaskey, who inherited the team in 1983, has died, the team said Thursday. She was 102.

"Virginia Halas McCaskey, the matriarch of the Chicago Bears and daughter of George Halas, the founder of the NFL, leaves a legacy of class, dignity, and humanity," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.

"Faith, family, and football -- in that order -- were her north stars and she lived by the simple adage to always 'do the right thing.'

"The Bears that her father started meant the world to her and he would be proud of the way she continued the family business with such dedication and passion. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the McCaskey and Halas families and Bears fans around the world."

McCaskey, Halas' eldest child, assumed ownership when her father died in 1983. She was the mother to 11 children, including eight sons and three daughters. Her husband, Ed, died in 2003.

"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 family said in a statement.

"She guided the Bears for four decades and based every business decision on what was best for Bears players, coaches, staff and fans."