Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marge Ditka (née Margery Dougherty) |
| Nationality | American |
| Birth | Likely around 1940; exact date and place not publicly confirmed (often associated with Pennsylvania) |
| Known For | First wife of NFL player and coach Mike Ditka; mother of their four children |
| Marriage | Married Mike Ditka on January 28, 1961; divorced in 1973 |
| Children | Four: Mike Ditka III, Mark Ditka, Matt Ditka, Megan Ditka |
| Public Profile | Very private; minimal public information after 1973 |
| Occupation | Not publicly documented; often described in relation to family life during the 1960s |
| Residence History | Connected to Pennsylvania and cities associated with Mike Ditka’s NFL career in the 1960s |
Early Life: A Quiet Beginning
Few details exist about Margery Dougherty before she became Marge Ditka. She was high school sweethearts with Mike Ditka in Aliquippa, western Pennsylvania. Public records do not list her birth date, parents, or schooling. An American woman who kept her cool and avoided the spotlight as professional football circled around her is a silhouette.
Marriage to Mike Ditka: January 28, 1961
Marge married 21-year-old Mike Ditka on January 28, 1961, who would reinvent the tight end position and become a Super Bowl-winning coach. They married 12 years, ending in 1973. They had four children and lived a life of training camps, road games, and relocations like many professional sports families.
Family Life in the 1960s
The Ditkas had major momentum in the 1960s. Marge was Mike’s rock at home as he went from All-Pro to coaching. In 1961, they had their first child, then three more swiftly. The NFL appears to outsiders as brilliant lights and roaring crowds. Schedules and consistency can be tricky for young families. Marge was the calm hand behind the scenes throughout.
Divorce and a Life Outside the Spotlight
The marriage ended 1973. Marge disappeared from the media after her divorce. She has no notable career accomplishments, public statements, or social media accounts. She may have remarried, settled, or spent her later years. Her story is marked by her public silence.
The Ditka Children: Brief Profiles
The four Ditka children appear infrequently in public records and maintain private lives. Their names and approximate birth order are widely listed; specific details beyond that are minimal, reflecting the family’s preference for privacy.
| Name | Relation | Approximate Birth Year | Public Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Ditka III | Son | 1961 | Eldest child; maintains a private profile. |
| Mark Ditka | Son | 1962 | Known by name in family lists; limited public information. |
| Matt Ditka | Son | 1964 | Listed in public family summaries; private life. |
| Megan Ditka | Daughter | Mid-1960s (year not widely confirmed) | Only daughter; keeps a low public profile. |
Names, Heritage, and Context
Marge’s married name is associated with an NFL legend. Western Pennsylvania native Mike Ditka, born Michael Dyczko, embraced his background and simplified his family surname early on. The public knows little about Marge beyond her maiden name, Dougherty. They started a family as the modern NFL was emerging, providing a human touch to a time of new stars, dynasties, and media.
A Timeline of Key Family Milestones
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| Late 1950s | Marge Dougherty and Mike Ditka meet and date in the Aliquippa, Pennsylvania area. |
| 1961 | Marriage on January 28; first child born later that year. |
| 1962–1964 | The family grows with the births of two additional sons. |
| Mid-1960s | A daughter, Megan, joins the family (year not widely confirmed). |
| 1960s–early 1970s | Family life unfolds amid Mike’s NFL playing career and transition toward coaching. |
| 1973 | Marge and Mike divorce after 12 years of marriage. |
| Post-1973 | Marge steps back from public attention and maintains a private life. |
Public Presence and Privacy
Marge barely appeared in the media or social media from 2023 to 2025. In a day when everyday events may be publicised, her silence matters. She reminds us that not all stories are meant for the public and that celebrity does not define all lives.
The Texture of a Private Life
Some lives have wide strokes—headlines, highlight reels, trademark wins. Marriage date, four children’s names, and divorce year are sewn finer. Marge Ditka is from the latter. Her image is a silhouette, recognisable by family history and stadiums in the background.
FAQ
Who is Marge Ditka?
She is the first wife of NFL player and coach Mike Ditka and the mother of their four children.
When did Marge Ditka marry Mike Ditka?
They married on January 28, 1961.
When did they divorce?
They divorced in 1973 after 12 years of marriage.
How many children did they have?
They had four children: three sons and one daughter.
What are the names of their children?
Their children are Mike Ditka III, Mark Ditka, Matt Ditka, and Megan Ditka.
Is Marge Ditka’s birth date known?
Her exact birth date is not publicly confirmed; sources generally place her birth around 1940.
Where was she born?
Her birthplace is not definitively documented, though she is commonly associated with western Pennsylvania.
Did Marge have a public career?
There is no documented public career; she is primarily noted in the context of family life during the 1960s.
Is she on social media?
No verified social media profiles for her are publicly known.
What has she done since the divorce?
Specific details about her post-1973 life are not publicly recorded; she has chosen to remain private.
