Willow Glen Resident

Community

Centenarian says bridge is secret to a healthy life and active mind

By Lisa Sibley

For Willow Glen resident Gladys Schmidt, the secret to living 100 years is playing bridge.

Schmidt says playing golf competitively until 1987 and not having any children may have also helped.

Schmidt, who looks as if she's much younger, was the center of attention at her regular bridge group, which met Dec. 8 at the Cypress Senior Center in West San Jose. While she celebrated her actual 100th birthday Dec. 4, her fellow bridge partners also hosted a special luncheon in Schmidt's honor following their Friday practice session.

"I just felt the occasion demanded we honor her," said Betty Ware, who oversees the 36-member bridge group. "It's a monumental event."

Schmidt has been playing bridge with the group for about 20 years, and attributes the game to keeping her mind sharp and active.

"She's a tough bridge player," adds teammate Bill Kurtz.

Schmidt has outlived her husband Chauncey, to whom she was married 71 years, and her seven brothers and sisters, according to her niece, Helen Benjamin of Campbell. Schmidt, originally from Indiana, has lived in San Jose since 1928 and is the second oldest of eight children. She lives in the Atria Willow Glen retirement community on Gaton Drive.

"I hope when I reach 100 I look as good as she does," says bridge partner Jean Kincannon.