Andrea Butje, Aromatherapy Pioneer and Founder of Aromahead Institute, Dies Peacefully at Home
Andrea Butje of Aromahead Institute Obituary, Cause of Death, Canada, US – Andrea Butje, the beloved founder of Aromahead Institute and a globally respected voice in the aromatherapy community, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by love. Known not only for her deep expertise but for her radiant warmth and unwavering devotion to the art and science of essential oils, Andrea leaves behind a legacy that will long outlive any single drop of oil or lesson taught.
Her passing, though expected following a courageous health journey, sent ripples across the aromatherapy world—a field she helped revolutionize. As the tributes pour in, from international educators to home blend enthusiasts, one thing is clear: Andrea Butje was more than a teacher. She was a force of nature, a compassionate soul, and a visionary who raised the standards for everyone in her field.
From Student to Steward of a Global Movement
Andrea’s journey began not as a business venture but as a passionate pursuit of healing, knowledge, and connection. Her intuitive grasp of both the chemistry and energy of essential oils set her apart. In the early 2000s, she founded the Aromahead Institute, which would soon become one of the world’s leading online schools for aromatherapy. With accessible, scientifically grounded courses, she educated thousands—many of whom went on to become certified aromatherapists themselves.
But Andrea didn’t stop there. Seeing a gap in the market for ethically sourced, lab-tested oils, she also co-founded Aromatics International. She insisted on third-party GC/MS testing for every oil sold, long before it became an industry norm. “Knowledge empowers,” she often said—and she made it her mission to give people the tools and transparency to practice safely and confidently.
“She made aromatherapy personal,” recalled longtime student and collaborator Karen Williams, who took over Aromatics International in 2009. “Andrea could explain complex chemistry like she was telling you a bedtime story. She made it come alive.”
Their relationship, built on friendship and shared purpose, remained strong throughout the years. Even after the business changed hands, the pair continued to exchange insights and dream about the future of essential oil work.
Devoted in Life and in Love
Andrea’s passion for plants was matched only by the depth of her love for her partner, Cindy. The two shared a life rooted in nature, creativity, and deep companionship. In her acclaimed book The Heart of Aromatherapy, Andrea’s dedication read simply:
“For my Cindy, In this vast universe, you are my home. I love and adore you.”
That same devotion was evident in every corner of Andrea’s life. Whether planting hundreds of lilies around their home in upstate New York or carefully choosing distillers who treated the earth with reverence, Andrea approached everything wholeheartedly.
Her work often took her across the globe—to lavender fields in Bulgaria, frankincense groves in Oman, and orange blossom harvests in Morocco. But no matter how far she traveled, her goal remained constant: to connect people with the power, purity, and purpose of plants.
A Community in Mourning, A Legacy in Bloom
In a heartfelt message from Aromahead Institute, Andrea was described as someone who “poured her whole heart into every corner of her life… She changed the landscape of aromatherapy, and she changed lives.”
Indeed, she did. Through her teachings, Andrea cultivated a global network of students, educators, distillers, and enthusiasts who now carry forward her mission. Her passing isn’t just the loss of a founder—it’s the loss of a matriarch in a movement she helped build from the ground up.
“Her aqua of love was like no other,” wrote Gabriel Mojay, poet and fellow aromatherapist, in a touching tribute. “Andrea, dear Andrea, had a fragrant soul—the sweetness of healing was her daily goal.”
A virtual memorial event celebrating five of Andrea’s favorite essential oils will be held on Wednesday at 1 p.m. MT, allowing friends and followers around the world to honor her life and contributions. In lieu of flowers, a donation fund will be established to support causes close to Andrea and Cindy’s hearts, with more details to follow.
Lighting the Way Forward
As the global aromatherapy community processes the loss, many are finding comfort in the rituals Andrea taught so well. Lighting a candle. Diffusing an oil. Taking a mindful breath.
“Her legacy lives on in every blend we make, every oil we choose with care,” wrote the team at Aromahead. “She is in the beauty of the plants, in the intention of the work, and in the hearts of all of us who carry her spirit forward.”
For those wishing to share memories or stories, Aromahead’s Facebook page remains open as a living tribute to Andrea’s influence.
