The Chicago Bears laid their matriarch to rest on a snowy Wednesday morning in the northwest suburbs. Hundreds of friends and family, including fellow NFL owners and many former Bears players,

Virginia Halas McCaskey was thrust into role as principal owner of the Chicago Bears after the deaths of her brother and father.

Chicago Bears principal owner and matriarch Virginia Halas McCaskey passed away at the age of 102 on Thursday, the team announced. McCaskey was the oldest child of George Halas and inherited the team in 1979 when her brother George "Mugs" Halas passed away.

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.

McCaskey took over principal ownership of the Bears in 1983. She was preceded by her father, George Halas, who founded the Bears organization over 100 years ago in 1920. McCaskey’s death was announced by the Bears and confirmed by her family on Thursday.

Leaders in the political, business and sports world joined Chicago Bears players and fans to pay respects to Virginia Halas McCaskey at a public visitation in the northwest suburbs Tuesday. WGN's Mike Lowe reports on the story.