Andrea Butje

Andrea Butje died peacefully at home surrounded by friends and family on August 2, 2025. Andrea was an accomplished educator and entrepreneur who inspired students, friends and colleagues throughout the world. 

She co-founded the Finger Lakes School of Massage in 1994. Under her guidance FLSM grew into a nationally recognized school whose students flourished into successful Massage Therapists. 

Her love of plants and curious spirit led her into the world of essential oils and Aromatherapy. In 2004 she founded Aromahead Institute. She was a pioneer in online education and eventually grew Aromahead into an internationally recognized school for the Aromatherapy. In conjunction with Aromahead she founded Aromatics International where she sourced essential oils directly from the growers in order to make them available to retail customers worldwide. Andrea was a champion of small organic farmers. She travelled the world to meet them and to bring their products to a larger audience in order to support their work. 

Although her outward life was large and successful, she counted her true success on her harmonious relationship with the natural world. She appreciated the smallest detail of a blooming lily, the way light met a crystal perfectly placed, the purrs and snores of her beloved cats. Andrea’s fierce devotion to plant medicine and natural health steadied and guided her through health challenges. She choose to keep her challenges private and tend to them naturally and with wisdom from within. 

Andrea lived a life a kindness and generosity. Through her final months she maintained her positive and generous spirit in the face of severity. Andrea died peacefully at home surrounded by friends, family and a garden she loved. Her body was interned under the majestic New Mexico sky that she loved so much. 

She is survived by her life partner Cindy Black, her mother Judy Butt, her sister Karen Butt-Hakim, her nephew Zachary Butt-Hakim, brother-in-law Ray Hakim, and dear friends. 

No services are scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, please support your local farmer.