Virginia Saul is a Legend at 96

She may be the Queen of Hearts pushing the age “score” of 97, but Virginia Saul’s real ambition and bridge prowess sparkles like a diamond (also her maiden name).

Atlanta native Saul has long been a Bridge Gold Life Master and is still traveling to play in bridge tournaments to acquire Sapphire Life Master status. Saul, who’s an all-around epitome of gracious longevity, shares some of her lifestyle and beauty hints as well as what life was like in Atlanta almost a century ago.

She demurred, “One could say I’m in very good shape for my age. I eat what I want, work out with a trainer, read, and enjoy a good scotch or Cosmopolitan.”

Previously, Saul was co-chair of the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta (1981) and was three-time president of Hadassah. She dabbled in politics by volunteering for Charles Weltner and John F. Kennedy.

Saul, who recently lost her husband, Milton, after seven decades of marriage, owes much of her wellbeing to the support of friends and family. She said, “I have three wonderful children, six grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Miraculously, everyone stayed in Atlanta and married native Atlantans (except for one).”

Born in Piedmont Hospital in 1928, Saul was the first baby named by Rabbi Harry Epstein (who later officiated at her wedding). Rabbi Geffen, of Congregation Shearith Israel, also officiated to make it “extra kosher.”

Saul remembers having no fear of walking around the city. She recalls riding her tricycle to Davison-Paxton (later Macy’s) downtown with her father, Donald Diamond. She later attended Girls High, which is now a condo, where she said, “bussing was not a new phenomenon.”

Once, she got too comfortable in the street downtown by the old Lowe’s Theatre en route to her piano lesson, and her younger brother in tow was hit by a moving car.  He was not hurt; but Mayor William B. Hartsfield came in person to their home to apologize and hence forth established a 25-mph speed limit downtown.

She added, “We still got a whipping!”

Milton Saul chose well for his bride of 75 years. When he first met her, he thought she was “too young.” As time passed, Virginia saw him in his Navy uniform, sparks flew, and at ages 23 and 20, the wedding took place at the Progressive Club. Virginia recalled, “We never argued, and we gave each other space, faced each day as individuals.”

In terms of lifestyle, Saul still drives her own car, gets her “grayless” hair and nails done weekly (Trends Salon), and has a penchant for nice clothes, shoes, and handbags. For special occasions, she shops at Susan Lee, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Her “bestie,” Dr. Nannette Wenguer, advised Saul could eat “just about anything” in moderation. Thus, a svelte Saul eats hot dogs, steak, chicken, sweets, and ice cream … followed by work on an exercise bike and treadmill.

Card shark Saul plays canasta in addition to bridge. Her canasta league started in 1950 with a group of 10, now with only two remaining originals. Growing up with a bridge playing mother (Theresa Stern),, Saul also learned kaluki. Now for bridge, Saul’s main partner is Buckhead resident Helen Browdy in addition to her own daughter, Barbara Fleming. She takes lessons from Marty Nathan and plays most consistently at Bridge Club of Atlanta. Recently returned from a tournament in Greenville, S.C., Saul played duplicate bridge alongside Warren Buffet and Bill Gates. Were they excellent players? “You bet they were!” she declared. Do you ever argue if a partner makes a mistake? “There is no quibbling in bridge. Maybe later, we would have a talk.”

When asked to what she attributes her fountain of youth, Saul replied, “Keep learning and having friends of all ages. I’ve played bridge with people from China and Russia internationally and even an 8-year-old child.” What about dating? “I’d have to be crazy to do that!”