Dear Aromahead Community,

It is with full hearts and profound reverence that we honor the life of Andrea Butje—visionary teacher, passionate pioneer, and beloved founder of the Aromahead Institute. Andrea passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by deep love and light, after a courageous journey. Her physical presence may be gone, but her legacy is vibrant, expansive, and eternal.

Andrea was never one to live halfway. Everything she touched, she did with purpose and wholehearted devotion. One poignant memory stands as a symbol of her essence: the year Andrea and her cherished partner Cindy planted lilies around their home in upstate New York. Where others might have planted a handful, Andrea planted hundreds. She embraced beauty, effort, and love in abundance. That was her way—vibrant, alive, and committed.

A True Pioneer in Aromatherapy

Andrea’s contribution to the field of aromatherapy was revolutionary. She didn’t merely study essential oils—she elevated the science, set standards, and transformed how people connect with the healing wisdom of plants. Through the Aromahead Institute, Andrea built a global classroom rooted in authenticity, accessibility, and compassion. Her pioneering work brought legitimacy to aromatherapy, especially through her insistence on GC/MS testing, transparency in sourcing, and deep respect for sustainability.

She championed small-scale distillers who cared for the land. She nurtured a community of students, practitioners, and healers who now span across the globe. Her voice, her guidance, and her incredible warmth empowered thousands to believe in themselves and their power to heal through plants.

Andrea traveled the world not only to teach, but to learn. She believed in lifelong growth and in the power of human connection. Her courses were not just lessons—they were experiences, alive with meaning and magic. She had a rare gift of making even the most complex chemistry feel understandable and personal. That was Andrea’s way—grounded, joyful, and always generous.

Love Was Her True Language

Andrea Butje was so much more than an educator. She was an embodiment of love. She loved with a presence that was nurturing, intuitive, and soulful. Whether sharing a recipe, a story, or a moment of laughter, she gave herself fully. She was spiritually attuned, wildly curious, and grounded in the simplicity of life’s beauty. She adored the beach, the vast quiet of the high desert, and above all else—Cindy.

In her celebrated book, The Heart of Aromatherapy, she wrote with tender clarity:

“For my Cindy, In this vast universe, you are my home. I love and adore you.”

Those words speak to the depth of their connection—one rooted in true partnership, joy, and unwavering devotion. Their love radiated through everything Andrea shared with the world.

A Legacy Carried in Every Drop

Andrea leaves behind not only a movement—but a family of aromatherapists who carry her spirit forward. Every thoughtfully chosen oil, every intentional blend, every act of healing born from her teachings keeps her presence alive. She taught us to respect the plants, to honor ourselves, and to use nature’s gifts to support wholeness and wellbeing.

Her laughter, her light, and her fierce intelligence shaped the heart of a community that continues to grow because of her vision.

A Call to Honor and Remember

As we mourn the loss of this remarkable woman, we invite everyone touched by Andrea to pause and reflect. Light a candle. Diffuse your favorite essential oil. Step into nature. Feel her in the wind, in the flowers, in the sacred stillness of a mindful moment.

If you feel moved, please share a memory, a lesson, or a moment you shared with Andrea. Your stories will help weave the fabric of a beautiful collective tribute to her life.

In lieu of flowers, a donation fund will soon be established in Andrea’s honor. All proceeds will go toward causes close to both Andrea’s and Cindy’s hearts, continuing Andrea’s legacy of generosity and healing. Further details will be provided in the coming weeks.

For more tributes and stories of lives that inspire, visit The Chronicle.

With love and deep gratitude,
Karen, Jenny, and the entire Aromahead team