Summary
Signe Relander (née Österman; 19 August 1886 – 31 May 1962) was the wife of Finland's second president, Lauri Kristian Relander, serving as the First Lady of Finland from 1925 until 1931.[1]
Signe Relander | |
|---|---|
 Signe Relander in Kultaranta, in 1928 | |
| Born | Signe Maria Österman 19 August 1886 |
| Died | 31 May 1962 (aged 75) Helsinki, Finland |
| Spouse | |
The couple met while she was still at secondary school and he at university, and married in 1906; they lived in Tikkurila (then part of the Rural District of Helsinki, now Vantaa), and had two children.[2]
She considered her role as the First Lady to be purely ceremonial, and avoided commenting on or otherwise getting involved in politics.[1] She was nevertheless known for her language skills and elegant appearance, and is thought to have been a positive influence on her husband's political career, both before and after his election as president.[1][2] Her being natively Swedish-speaking may also have indirectly affected the language policies of her husband's party, the Agrarian League (now the Centre Party).[3]
After her husband's death at the relatively young age of 58, Signe Relander suffered financial hardship, until a modest pension was granted to her.[2]
