Obituary Jenni Rinne 1977–2025

Ethnologist Jenni Rinne passed away on 5 February 2025. Our community of ethnologists takes part in the great grief that has befallen Jenni's family and will miss a beloved colleague and friend.

Jenni Rinne 1977-2025

Ethnologist Jenni Rinne died in a traffic accident in Finland 5th February 2025. Our community of ethnologists takes part in the great grief that has befallen Jenni's family and will miss a beloved colleague and friend.

Jenni Rinne was born in Oulu, Finland 10th December 1977. Her international circle of friends in ethnology began to form already during her studies: she graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Tartu, Estonia, a master's degree from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland; and with a doctoral degree from Södertörn University, Sweden.

Jenni initiated her doctoral studies at the Baltic and East European Graduate School in 2011 and rapidly became a greatly appreciated colleague. She generously shared her knowledge on the post-socialist context and ethnographic methods with her fellow doctoral researchers. Jenni's doctoral dissertation Searching for Authentic Living Through Native Faith: The Maausk Movement in Estonia (2016) dealt with the relationship between land religion, history and society, as well as the affective and embodied elements of religious practices. In her post-doctoral studies, she developed these theoretical perspectives further.

After earning her doctoral degree, Jenni worked as a university lecturer at the University of Helsinki and at the University of Turku, and as a senior researcher at the University of Oulu. She was an associate professor (title of docent) in ethnology at the University of Turku. As a teacher and supervisor, Jenni was inspiring, insightful and supportive. Her enthusiasm towards ethnology was conveyed to both her students and colleagues.

Currently, Jenni was studying ageing with nature in remote areas in Finland and the experiences of Finns dealing with the contemporary crises. In Finnish academic community, we remember her as warm and positive person and a dedicated researcher, whether it was about fieldwork with the elderly, developing methodology or applying theories. To think and write with her was always a great pleasure to us. As a colleague, Jenni was listening, encouraging and reliable, she pondered on things thoroughly. Together we also laughed at the quirks of the academic world.

In Swedish academic community, we remember her as a researcher who moved easily between sharp analysis, deep theoretical knowledge, and warm laughter. She was a compassionate researcher and a dear friend of us. Always with good advice at hand, a non-judgmental attitude, and an eye open for the serendipities of everyday life. She was a part of a transdisciplinary network for female academics who met and wrote together each year.

Developing ethnological research was important to Jenni. In addition to her teaching and research, she participated in ethnological activities as a chair and board member of the Finnish Ethnologists' Association Ethnos ry. Jenni worked as a guest editor in the special issues of Creative Ethnographic Methodologies (Cultural Analysis 2023, Vol 21:1) and Sensing the Urban (Ethnologia Fennica 2024 Vol. 51:2); and edited an anthology Affektit ja tunteet kulttuurien tutkimuksessa (2020) [Affects and Emotions in Cultural Studies]. Jenni actively participated in and was inspired by international and national conferences, like SIEF Congresses where she chaired panels and presented her work. These were also important places for her to meet with her international colleagues.

Family and friends, the cottage in Suomussalmi in northern Finland, and handicrafts were important to Jenni. Her skills were visible to us all in her self-made beautiful clothes. Jenni enjoyed going to pop concerts but also spending time in nearby nature.

Jenni’s scientific legacy with new perspectives and the enthusiasm she transmitted to her students and colleagues will leave a lasting mark on the field of ethnology. We miss her deeply.

Jenny Ingridsdotter, Pia Olsson, Kim Silow Kallenberg & Tiina Suopajärvi

Jenni Rinne 1977–2025