"I very much enjoy working with children and young people," Kathleen Gunn said. In different cities in England and in Japan where she has lived, for many years she has volunteered her time to help organizations for young people. Older people have sought her out too, as she is also interested in welfare activities and charity projects. Currently she is president of the Yokohama International Women's Club, a venerable association now 74 years old.
Kathleen lived in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the northeast of England, where after schooling she went to work in banking. Married, she went with her husband, who worked for Lloyds Register of Shipping, to London. Two years later the couple moved to France, staying there for 10 years.
"My two sons were born in France, and went to school there," Kathleen said. "Both of them retained French, and the older son now teaches it in England. All of us loved France. It is still home to me."