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A Sydney make-up artist and survivor of sexual assault who suffered years of debilitating pain has died suddenly after suffering in agony since she was a teen.
The family of Samantha Feld-Holmes said they ‘desperately miss their special girl who is now at peace’ in a heartbreaking tribute in a newspaper obituary notice.
Ms Feld-Holmes, 27, from Kogarah in Sydney’s south, died suddenly on November 11 after a long struggle with conditions including bipolar disorder and chronic fatigue.
She had also been a victim of sexual assault and domestic violence, she told followers on social media.
Her family have now asked mourners to donate to charities researching the treatment of migraines, as well as bipolar and endometriosis, in lieu of flowers.
Details of her memorial service are yet to be formally arranged. Her family are yet to reveal her cause of death.
The 27-year-old makeup artist – whose work had recently been showcased in Vogue magazine – had been vocal about her life struggles with her online followers.
‘My body no longer keeps your secrets,’ she wrote on her website, referencing her sexual assault allegations.
Sydney makeup artist Samantha Feld-Holmes died earlier this month
She shared her health struggles with her online followers
Samantha’s family announced her death in a Sydney newspaper. Her young age and the reference to endometriosis and migraines hinted at a life of pain that became too much
In recent weeks she shared photos of her watercolour paintings of Australian nature which she said reflected her journey of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
‘Creating these paintings has been a cathartic experience, allowing me to express the duality of my condition,’ she said in an Instagram post.
‘Bipolar disorder is often seen as a challenge, but through my art, I want to highlight the unique perspectives and strengths it brings.
‘It’s about embracing both the highs and the lows, finding balance, and recognising the luxury of understanding oneself more deeply.’
Ms Feld-Holmes also shared details of her long-time endometriosis diagnosis.
‘I have suffered with severe period pain and regular life dysfunction since I was a teenager.,’ she shared on her business website.
‘Endometriosis affects my daily life and I would like to raise awareness to the thousands spent out of pocket trying to find answers, time and recovery with multiple operations.’
In 2016 she posted about of her years-long struggle with chronic fatigue syndrome – myalgic encephalomyelitis – to social media.
‘Coping with these symptoms on a daily basis, and on a timescale often measured in years, can be very hard; the impact this condition can have on a person’s life is immense,’ she shared in a candid Facebook post.
‘I’m lucky enough to have an incredible doctor, Dr Richard Schloeffel, which means I am currently recovering and in the best health I have been in years.
‘It has been a long and incredibly challenging process to get to where I am now. I’m still riddled with pain, suffer debilitating fatigue and have reduced capacity.’
In recent weeks she shared photos of her watercolour painting inspired by Australian nature that reflect her journey of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder
Last month she celebrated a milestone in her career after photos of her makeup work was featured in Vogue.
‘I’m beyond thrilled to announce that my work has been featured on **Best of Photo Vogue**!’ she beamed online.
‘This milestone highlights the diversity and inclusivity of my brand, showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of everyone I work with.’
She also announced she had begun a Master of Business Administration – MBA at Australian Institute of Management.
If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36
