Riitta Väisänen, the first runner-up of Miss Suomi 1976, expressed her sorrow over the passing of Suvi Kellokumpu, who died on January 27 in Espoo after a short illness. Väisänen commented on Kellokumpu's elegance and grace, recalling her as a 'classical beauty' deserving of her title. Despite not having met in decades due to their diverging paths in life, Väisänen expressed deep condolences to Kellokumpu's family during this difficult time.

Kellokumpu, known as Suvi Lukkarinen prior to her marriage, held a prominent place in Finnish beauty pageant history, being the runner-up in the Miss Scandinavia competition. Väisänen noted that Kellokumpu led a successful life as an entrepreneur, having founded her own company, Festivo, which contributed to her being recognized and remembered beyond her title as Miss Suomi. This adeptness in business highlights the multifaceted lives many former pageant contestants lead after their reigns.

The news of her death brings forth reflections on the impact of beauty queens in Finnish culture and their contributions to society. Väisänen's appreciation for Kellokumpu underscores the connections that often form through shared experiences in the competitive world of beauty pageants. The message of nostalgia, respect, and sadness in Väisänen's words serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the lives and legacies of such figures, particularly during their passing.