–by Sylvania AdVantage Staff
PUBLICATION DATE: Aug 04, 2020
Bridge, opera, dancing and flowers are just a few of Edith Miller’s favorite things, adding to the joie de vivre she has in abundance.
This sprightly centenarian celebrated her 100th birthday two days early, on Aug. 2, at an open house in her Sylvania home, surrounded by family, friends and, of course, her many bridge buddies.
“Before the pandemic began in mid-March, I would play bridge at least 10 times a month. I had games at Highland Meadows, Inverness and Mayberry,” she recalled. “I really miss that and all of my friends.”
According to Miller, she began playing the game while working at Jeep. “I worked in the office for 41 years and enjoyed everyone (almost) including all of my bosses. We had a good time and during our lunch break would play all different card games such as poker, euchre, pinochle and bridge. While I enjoyed all of the games, it was bridge that I really loved from the beginning,” she said.
She also attributes the development of her “ornery streak” to her time at Jeep, a trait she describes as necessary for her to be a successful steward at work, a position she held for several years.
With a twinkle in her bright blue eyes, she described her longtime love of opera. “My dad and I traveled all over … New York, Cleveland, Chicago and more to attend the opera and many times to hear our favorite tenor, Luciano Pavarotti, perform. We also saw Lily Pons. My brother wasn’t interested at all so it was just the two of us, which made these opera events very special,” Miller remembered.
Some of her other fond memories took place on the dance floor during her high school days at Whitmer. “My girlfriends and I would walk downtown to go to the Trianon Ballroom and have a fabulous time,” she recounted.
Miller now channels her energy into surrounding herself with the beautiful flowers she also loves. “I enjoy sitting out on my deck admiring my flowers,” she said.
Miller also treasures her son Robert Kay and his wife, Jill; her grandchildren Kelly Kay Baker and Robert Kay; and her great-grandchildren Owen, Silvia and Friffin Baker and Bodie Kay. Sadly, she remembers her second son William who died in an accident many years ago. “You never forget,” she stated.
She continues to be grateful to her son and daughter-in-law, her many friends and bridge cohorts, and her helpful neighbors who all look out for her well-being.
And, she is counting the days until her bridge games resume.