Gerda Ryti
First Lady of Finland 1940–1944 / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gerda Ryti (née Serlachius; 11 October 1886 – 8 September 1984) was the wife of Finland's fifth president, Risto Ryti, serving as the First Lady of Finland from 1940 until 1944.
Gerda Ryti | |
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Born | Gerda Paula Serlachius (1886-10-11)11 October 1886 |
Died | 8 September 1984(1984-09-08) (aged 97) |
Spouse |
Gerda Paula Serlachius was born as the second child to Senator and Justice Counselor (Oikeusneuvos) Julian Serlachius [fi] and Paula née Söderhjelm.[1] Her elder brother was Eric J. Serlachius [fi], who became a lawyer and, later, Minister of Justice.[2]
She received her primary and secondary education in her native Swedish. She went on to study German language, literature and history of art at a university in Dresden, Germany, and later English language in London.[3]
In 1916, she married her brother's business partner, the lawyer and politician, and future President of Finland, Risto Ryti. The couple had three children.[1]
Her cultured upbringing, education and excellent language skills (she spoke five languages fluently) came useful in her role as the wife of Risto Ryti, in his high-profile positions as the Governor of the Bank of Finland, later as the Prime Minister, and finally President.[4][3] She was known as a hardworking First Lady, who supported her husband during his wartime premiership and presidency, and the war's difficult aftermath.[4]
Her personal interests included parapsychology, which she had studied while in the UK, as well as spiritualism.[4]