Celebrating 90 Years of Gudrun's Remarkable Life

Published on Thursday, 23 January 2025 at 12:54:21 PM

On Sunday 12 January 2025, Gudrun celebrated her 90th birthday at the Coolgardie Recreation Centre, surrounded by over 35 friends and community members. The event was a heartwarming celebration of Gudrun’s incredible life and the milestones she’s achieved over the years.

The gathering was filled with warmth and love, as everyone came together to contribute in their own special way—bringing a plate to share, singing songs, telling stories, and reading poems. It was a joyful occasion that highlighted the strong bonds of friendship and community that Gudrun has fostered over the years. 

For the past 39 years, Gudrun has been an integral part of both the Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie communities. Her spirit and contributions have made her a beloved figure, and she has truly become part of the Goldfields’ treasured history. Her presence in the community has seen her nominated this year in the Shire's Australia Day Citizen Awards in the Seniors category.

We feel so lucky and honoured to have known Gudrun, and we look forward to many more years of friendship and shared memories. 

Please enjoy the following story, read and shared by Ann Meagher on the day, in celebration of Gudrun’s extraordinary journey: 

The Remarkable Life of My Ninety-Year-Old Friend, Gudrun Sahm: A Journey Through Nine Decades

Early Life and Family

My friend, Gudrun Sahm was born on this day (12 January) 90 years ago in a town called Wolfsburg, Germany. Her mother Charlotta worked as a secretary, while her father, Walter, was a wood, timber sculpturist. Gudrun is the eldest of four siblings, she has two brothers and one sister.

Education and Formative Years

Gudrun completed her schooling locally and learnt the art of dressmaking. She later went on to do her Masters in Dressmaking.

Personal Life and Interests

Working in the Volkwagen (VW) factory, she met Karl Heinz who was working as a Tailor.  During her time in the VW factory, she worked in the Upholstery division and also drove the forklift.

In 1955 at the age of 20 she married Karl and together they had four daughters: Siegrun, Beate, Brigette and Ulrike.

After their third daughter, Gudrun left her job at the factory to set up her own dressmaking business at home, where trained several apprentices under her care.  Karl was by then a Fireman.

In 1978 Karl died after a short illness. She and Karl had three grandchildren by now. 

New Adventures

Going to a pub for a family occasion Gudrun met Eugene Winter in 1980, who was working as an Auto Mechanic and teaching in the VW factory.

In 1981, Eugene had gained work in Nigeria where Gudrun twice visited him. She learnt a lot about human nature and the realities of life whilst there.

She and Eugene moved to Australia in 1983 arriving in Adelaide. Having trouble with the Australian language, she used to watch children's television shows to help her learn and understand the language. They moved around in a caravan seeing the country.  Eugene worked in the electricity industry overhauling turbines, and they moved to Kalgoorlie in the spring of 1986.

They joined the Aeroclub and flew around the countryside on weekends.  Eugene learnt Aerobatics and Night flying in Perth.  After working for Copco and Chemtrans he retired, and they moved to Coolgardie.

In 1989, Gudrun attended Kalgoorlie Arts College and studied with the Edith Cowen University to obtain her Visual Arts degree. 

Eugene was twice a Councillor on the Shire Council 2007 to 2010 and 2020 until his passing in 2022.

Gudrun has eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A Resilient Spirit

Since Eugene's passing, Gudrun has had to learn to cope on her own, we as her Coolgardie/Kalgoorlie community have wrapped our arms around her and are proud of her.

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