Born in Reykjavik, Iceland, in 1932, her life has spanned decades, countries, and cultures - each chapter shaped by a spirit of curiosity and generosity. "I was born in Reykjavik and spent my early years there", she tells me. But her curiosity about the world took her beyond the borders of Iceland at a young age. Instead of heading to university after high school, she made a bold decision - she packed her bags for the UK, determined to master English. I wanted to learn the language so I could meet and communicate with people from all over the world, she recalls.

London in the late 1940s was the perfect place for a young woman eager to embrace life. She spent over a year there, attending college with her best friend, absorbing the culture and the language that would later open so many doors. It was also in London that fate intervened -she met her Belgian husband, and in 1953, she followed her heart to Brussels, a city she has called home ever since. "For me, home is Reykjavik, Brussels, and Nice" , she smiles. "Nice is my holiday retreat, a place of sun and relaxation."

Unlike many women of her generation, Gudrun didn’t pursue a conventional career. "I married young and had my children soon after", she explains. But that didn’t stop her from making an impact. When she first heard about Femmes d’Europe through the Icelandic Embassy in Brussels, she was immediately intrigued. "It was an organisation with a reach beyond Belgium and that really appealed to me" she says. "I think I joined in the nineties."

What motivated her to become an active volunteer ? "The projects, especially those focused on helping children in poor countries", she says without hesitation… "and, of course, the opportunity to meet remarkable women from different parts of Europe."

Over the years she has witnessed the evolution of Femmes d’Europe, but for her, the essence of the organisation remains unchanged. "I love the commitment and togetherness of these women" , she says warmly. Her favorite event ? - "The Bazar de Noël, without a doubt. It brings people together in the best possible way."

Of course, some things have changed. "Everything was easier when communication was done on paper rather than email", she admits with a laugh." Quelle misère ! " And if she could change one thing ? - "A more spacious venue for the Bazar would be wonderful."
Brussels has been her home for decades and she has seen it transform over the years.

"With NATO and the EU institutions, it has become a truly international city", she observes. "But it remains on a human scale, with plenty of green spaces, cultural diversity, and a fantastic culinary scene."

And for those with a touch of wanderlust… "it’s easy to escape for a day - to Paris, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, London, Cologne… the world is just a train ride away."

With a lifetime of experiences behind her, does she have any regrets ? She shakes her head with a smile : "like Edith Piaf, Je ne regrette rien !"… And, if she had to sum up her philosophy in one sentence, she would definitely say : "a joy shared is a joy doubled. Joy is contagious !"
Looking at the warmth in her eyes, I have no doubt she truly lives by those words.

Interview by Alexandra Paucescu
Romanian Group