Remembering Charlotte Kareena van Amelsvoort

It is with heart- wrenching sorrow that we announce the passing of our beautiful Charlotte at 27 years of age. Charlotte was the most kind, compassionate, joyful and inspirational light to not only all who knew her well but also to those whose lives she had touched ever so briefly.

On Aug 11, 2025, after almost 8 years, our angel lost the battle against a vicious, unrelenting stage IV Glioblastoma diagnosis. Despite 5 brain surgeries and 2 wound revisions, Charlotte continually moved forward with grace, selflessness, mindfulness, gratitude, hope and an incredible determination and strength in the face of a highly aggressive brain cancer.

The harsh diagnosis ignited in her a passion for bringing artistic expression through photography. Charlotte Kareena Photography was born of her desire to connect, inspire and bring beauty into the lives of so many over the years.

In her fight, Charlotte steadfastly chose not to know her prognosis. This family fiercely respected those wishes despite oncologists attempting, at times, to do otherwise. Charlotte’s incredible mindset, diet, exercise and strong desire to embrace both traditional and holistic medical practices allowed her to surpass what is a generally poor, median survival of 12-18 months. To this day oncologists are completely astonished as to how Charlotte wildly surpassed their “prognostic norm”.

In addition to daily chemotherapy, Charlotte chose not to share some bits of her holistic health regimen with some of her medical team.

She adhered to a mostly organic diet as well as taking supplements, and passionately exercising. Charlotte received high dose Vitamin C IV infusions During those weekly 2-3 days and prior to and post IV, she often left to capture sunrise and sunset photos for her clients.

Charlotte was immensely supported by her partner of many years, Benoit Osborne , whose love and support for our daughter was so pure and unwavering throughout the most darkest and joyful days.

Our family’s endless love and support was and is never-ending for our Charlotte.

Charlotte’s Oma , Carol Schaefers, was beyond precious to her. Charlotte’s 5 siblings and 9 nieces and nephews loved, and cherished our Charlotte beyond words. Sarah Cameron and Jeff Warriner (Jubilee, Jacob, Maëlle, Isabella, George), Kirsten and Jordan O’Coin (Bodhi, Wyatt), Alexander Cameron and Kate Schroeder (Kingsley, Rowan), Garrett van Amelsvoort, Luke van Amelsvoort, Mom and Dad, Vera and Gerry van Amelsvoort.

From the bottom of our hearts we would like to thank Dr Peter, who was her lifeline. He was as precious to her as Ben, family and friends.

Also a special heartfelt thank you to all physicians, nurse’s clinicians and research specialists who helped Charlotte along the way.

Charlotte’s life was enriched by countless close friendships, each one deeply meaningful to her. Among them, she especially treasured her bonds with Angela, Brooke, Christy, Emma, Georgia, Hannah, Katherine, Kelsey, and Tori. Girls , you were golden to Charlotte and are a part of her being. Thank you.

Her photography community as well as those whose snippets of time she so elegantly captured, will miss her incredibly creative talent and vision behind the lens.

Charlotte, your presence and your infectious laugh are with us until eternity. You are among us in the blowing wind, the rustling leaves, the crisp snow and in thunderous waves and still waters. You are our sunrise, sunset and you will lie in nature’s beauty which you so loved. We painfully miss our little girl, our Charlareen , our Char and Char Char. We love you forever Charlotte.❤️

“ Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes, because for those who love with their heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation” (Rumi).

“Change is inevitable, we have to work with it. But attitude, that shit is negotiable.

So I’ll be here

With my stubborn ass attitude.

Refusing to give up.

Refusing to lose hope.

Scared as hell. And ready to fight”

(Charlotte, Oct 29, 2019 Written just before 2nd brain surgery)

“These times are feeling super weird and uncertain. A little scary and unfamiliar. But I think that in certain seasons of life, we are faced with greater challenges than we are used to, forcing us to step up. Forcing us to learn, to overcome and to grow. We will adapt to this season and then we will adapt back to “regular” life. Maybe even with a little more love and a little more patience. And I am sure there’s going to be some more weird days in the middle. Some hard days, and some good days. Lots of learning is ahead of us – and we’ll be here for each other.

And a friendly reminder, we only have to live one day at a time.” (March 21, 2020, written by Charlotte 4.5 months after brain surgery)

In September there will be an intimate family scattering of ashes in places Charlotte loved and, at some future time, in the places she had hoped to visit.

On Sunday afternoon, Sept 21st, there will be a Celebration of Life at Rustica in Orillia from 1-5 pm. Please join us then in a celebration of our beautiful Charlotte.

In memory of Charlotte we kindly ask that donations be made to someone in your community currently battling cancer.

Arrangements entrusted to Carson Funeral Homes L. Doolittle Chapel, 54 Coldwater St. E., Orillia (705) 326-3595.