The daughter of Bears founder George Halas, McCaskey watched the NFL go from a struggling start-up to the most powerful league in America.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Virginia Halas McCaskey, the principal owner of the NFL’s Chicago Bears and the only daughter of franchise founder George Halas, died on Thursday, the team announced. She was 102. McCaskey had owned the Bears since her father’s death on Oct. 31, 1983, ESPN reported.

Virginia McCaskey, who inherited the Chicago Bears from her father, George Halas, but avoided the spotlight during four-plus decades as principal owner, has died. She was 102. McCaskey’s family announced through the team that she died Thursday. She had owned the Bears since her father’s death on Oct. 31, 1983.

The Chicago Bears will begin to say their final goodbyes Tuesday to longtime team owner Virginia Halas McCaskey, who died last Thursday at 102.

Members of the NFL community gathered to say a final goodbye to longtime Chicago Bears matriarch Virginia Halas McCaskey, who died last week at 102 years old.