Bears owner Virginia McCaskey dead at 102

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Virginia McCaskey, the longtime principal owner of the Chicago Bears, has died. She was 102.

McCaskey controlled Chicago's NFL franchise since 1983, when she inherited ownership following the death of her father and team founder George Halas. George was also the first person to serve as the Bears coach.

The McCaskey family provided a statement via the Bears, saying McCaskey lived a "full" life.

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Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey at the 2011 NFL International Series fan rally at Trafalgar Square. (Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports)

"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 statement read.

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

The Bears won the franchise's lone Super Bowl with McCaskey at the helm. Chicago defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 20, thanks in large part to the "Monsters of the Midway" — a nickname referencing the Bears' acclaimed 1985 defense.

Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey during the annual NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore.  (Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports)

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement shortly after the passing of McCaskey was announced.

"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," Goodell said. "Faith, family, and football – in that