Cinnamon, along with her brother Sage, got to go through life with just one name, like Madonna, Cher and Sting. She was born three weeks early in an emergency C section with a full head of reddish hair. Her groggy mother was watching a rerun of the TV series Mission Impossible with character Cinnamon Carter, thus the derivative of her name. Spicy pets named Ginger, Pepper, Oregano, and Paprika would soon populate the home. As an adult, she fostered many dogs and cats, often making videos and writing creative little descriptions to increase their chance of finding a “furever” home. Her truest canine soul mate, a Great Dane named Xena, died just a week before her. They are now together again. Halloween was her favorite holiday. Her love of pretending to be someone else evolved into fanatical participation in Star Trek Conventions, Comicons, and Dr. Who Conventions. She made most of her costumes, always unique, often winning prizes. She loved The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones. Her posters of Freddy Krueger would scare the hell out of her mother whenever she would enter Cinnamon’s bedroom. She loved scary movies and haunted houses! Whenever Cinnamon was in the room, things would get exciting. She relished saying things that could be shocking, but always harmless and clever. She was a prolific FB blogger. Her breast cancer “humor” these past few years would put everyone at ease on the subject. In fact, her state of denial about having Stage IV breast cancer probably added years to her life. She just plain refused to let it beat her. Her bravery and unwillingness to complain impressed her family and friends. For example, on the way home from the hospital after having a double mastectomy, she answered her phone. She told the caller that “it would be all right. We’ll be stopping at Walgreens to get some press-on titties.” The family appreciates the loving and caring treatment of oncologist Dr. Robert Livingston at the University of Arizona Cancer Center who kept her cancer in remission for a number of years. Her last FB entry in early July was marveling that while her hair was growing back on her head, it was not in her armpits and how excited she was about that. Her creative writing always made people smile. Her writing skills were also useful in her pursuit of a PhD in Biology at Arizona State University. She was a stellar student, mentored by her doctoral advisor Dr. Stan Faeth, who was instrumental in encouraging her to succeed. She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Cade Hayes of Mesa. They raised two beautiful daughters, Stormy and Rowan…again names that would not require a last name! Cinnamon leaves behind three grandchildren Persephone, Castiel, and Lycan. Her parents, Fred and Deborah Gatzke, reside in Texas. Her brother Sage resides in Seattle with his fiancée Ashley. Cinnamon Jill (Gatzke) Hayes was born on October 3, 1973, in Columbus, Ohio. She died in Tempe, Arizona, on August 7, 2016, the last day of the Star Trek Official 50th Anniversary Convention. She always wanted a horse, but never got one. Her Great Dane was as large as a horse, but she said that didn’t count. She always wanted to live in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, but never got to. She recently said she wished she had accomplished more in her life (don’t we all), but really did accomplish a lot in her 42 years…and touched the lives of thousands of people who will never forget her. Cinnamon. May her soul live long and prosper.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 12, 2016 at Mountain View Funeral Home, 7900 East Main Street in Mesa from 10:00 am until the Celebration of Life at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery in Mesa. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to one of Cinnamon’s passionate causes listed below…or a local animal shelter of your choice.
https://www.browndogfoundation.org
Cinnamon started as my pet sitter and became a good friend. She fought a courageous battle with strength and humor. You will be missed my friend!
My heart is broken that my sister Deb and brother-in-law Fred are suffering the loss of their beautiful daughter, Cinnamon Jill. Cinnamon’s husband Cade, daughters Stormy and Rowan, and 3 grandchildren are grieving the passing of a strong and bold woman. My niece was an intelligent, quirky, and passionate young woman who will be greatly missed by family and friends.
I feel so fortunate that I got to meet Cinnamon, and I will miss her; her writing, her passions, her tender heart, her courage, her sense of humor, her grace, her beauty in her own life, and in every costume she donned. She was one of a kind.
It is with overwhelming sadness that my friends Deb and Fred had to lose their only daughter. Prayers go out to the entire family for peace and comfort. These are wonderful people who have suffered a terrible loss. Cinnamon was a terrific, strong, young woman.
To Cinnamon’s Mom and Dad ( Drborah and Fred) ; please know my hart is broken for you both .
As you two people are very special , I just know Cunnamon was as well . I love you both and gave you in my prayers and thoughts through this terrible loss .
Much love , Casey
Deb – we are holding you all in our hearts. So blessed to have spent time with you recently. The tremendous love for your daughter shone through you. May wonderful memories carry you and yours through the ensuing days. You were fortunate to have each other, just not long enough.
What an incredible written tribute to Cinnamon!
Our love,
Jim and Stephanie Henkle
Exquisite obituary it touched my heart I love you all
I am devastated by the loss of Cinnamon, but so very glad I had the opportunity to know her. Rest in peace.
What a touching obituary for a uniquely wonderful individual. Our heart breaks for her sweet parents, Deb and Fred and her family. May Cinnamon’s soul and memories of her “Live Long & Prosper”.
I know the depth of sorrow to lose someone close that you love more than anything. I send my deepest condolences to my friends Fred and Deb and prayers for peace. Cinnamon sounds like a wonderful, unique person I would have loved to know! And prayers for peace in your hearts to all your family.
Cinnamon was beautiful and kind and witty as h ! Despite her recent diagnosis at the time, she comforted me when one of my sons had a serious medical problem in the fall of 2010. I will never forget that.
Fred, Deb, Sage, Cade, Stormy, and Rowan , you are all In our thoughts .
Our condolences to Deb and Fred on the loss of their beloved daughter, Cinnamon. Though I only met her 1 or 2 times at family reunions and did not really know her, our hearts are so sad for the family who loved her. Blessings and love to you all. Cousins, Ann and Tom
We are so touched by Cinnamon’s life story, her interests, humor, and passions. We share the sentiment: may her soul live long and prosper. Fred, Deb and family, we send you our sympathies.
Fred and Deb,
I did not have the privilege to know your lovely daughter, Cinnamon, but after reading her heartwarming obituary, I feel as if I did. She was obviously a woman of remarkable strength, courage, wit and grace. It is apparent she loved life and lived it bravely and with gusto and humor – traits she no doubt inherited from her parents.
Cinnamon is at peace and I hope you are too by the cherished memories of a life so well lived.
I had the pleasure of meeting Cinnamon in person as well as corresponding with her via Facebook and messenger over a period of years. She touched my heart upon meeting and continues to even now. She was a wonderful advocate for the dogs here in Arizona. She will be greatly missed. Condolences and hugs to her family.
Steve and I are sorry for your loss. Your daughter was obviously a beautiful woman both inside and out! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Please let us know if we can do any thing to help. With sympathy, Steve and Kevin Martin
Cinnamon was truly one of the most gentle and kind souls I ever had the honour of being friends with. She was beloved by so many and will be forever missed. While we are still deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort knowing her pain and suffering has been lifted. She will always be with us, at every Star Trek convention, her memory and spirit will reside in the community and keep reminding us about hope and strength and righteousness. May she be in the warm loving grace of God for all eternity.
Judge Gatzke,
Sorry to hear about your lovely daughter. My thoughts and prayers to you and the family.
Deepest Sympathy,
Debra
Cinnamon fostered for TCWN and always helped with posting and transport. She was a really strong animal advocate and loved her fosters as much as she loved her own dogs. I remember she had one particular dog that was most difficult. For the whole time that she was fostering he was the most prey driven dog. She said he never left the area of the bedroom door where the cats were housed just in case one made an escape. Thank goodness for Cinnamon and her family for hanging in there with this foster as many would of said get this dog outta here now he doesn’t like my cats!!! She also gave a wonderful home to Casino who she ended up after fostering for a brief stint making him part of her wonderful family. She was always trying to help in any capacity she could. She will always be remembered as a foster home that was loving, trusting and caring and we felt honored to have her as part of the Tucson Cold Wet Noses family. She will truly be missed by dog, cat and human alike….
I am saddened to hear about Cinnamon. She was an inspiration to many Star Trek fans including myself. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. She will be greatly missed. I look forward to the day we will see her again in Eternity with our Lord and Savior.
A truly beautiful soul. Keeping the family in my thoughts and close to my heart.
Cinnamon has been one of the best things that ever happened to me for 21 years. There will never be another who comes close to the unique bright star who will forever have a portion of my heart. She will always be a positive influence on my life. In my dreams she will live on forever until we meet again on the other side!
Thank so much for those wonderful words Dave. Our lives have changed for ever from the unique celebration of her life on Friday where we gained renewed appreciation and understanding of the incredible life our daughter lived and the thousands of people whose lives she touched so warmly.
Dear Family,
I am so sorry about Cinnamon’s passing. She was so brave and strong, and maintained a huge persona even while very ill. I loved knowing her. My wish is for peace for her family and friends as I know you have lost an amazing person. Cinnamon is now on her own voyage, May she rest in peace. <3
We are touched by Cinnamon’s unique story. The loss of a child is one of life’s hardest things to deal with. I know she left a mark on this world and the hearts of her loved ones, family and friends. May she rest in peace now. …Deb and Fred. We consider you wonderful friends and send our love and heartfelt sympathy… We are here for you.
Love and hugs, Pamela and Bob Jackson
Terri:
Cinnamon, our daughter, listed your organization for those who wish to contribute in her name. I was wondering if you have received any donations. May I have a list with their addresses so I can send them thank you notes? Fred and I will keep Tucson Wet Noses on our own list of favorite charities.
Thanks so much!
Cinnamon started as my pet sitter and became a good friend. She fought a courageous battle with strength and humor. You will be missed my friend!
My heart is broken that my sister Deb and brother-in-law Fred are suffering the loss of their beautiful daughter, Cinnamon Jill. Cinnamon’s husband Cade, daughters Stormy and Rowan, and 3 grandchildren are grieving the passing of a strong and bold woman. My niece was an intelligent, quirky, and passionate young woman who will be greatly missed by family and friends.
I feel so fortunate that I got to meet Cinnamon, and I will miss her; her writing, her passions, her tender heart, her courage, her sense of humor, her grace, her beauty in her own life, and in every costume she donned. She was one of a kind.
It is with overwhelming sadness that my friends Deb and Fred had to lose their only daughter. Prayers go out to the entire family for peace and comfort. These are wonderful people who have suffered a terrible loss. Cinnamon was a terrific, strong, young woman.
To Cinnamon’s Mom and Dad ( Drborah and Fred) ; please know my hart is broken for you both .
As you two people are very special , I just know Cunnamon was as well . I love you both and gave you in my prayers and thoughts through this terrible loss .
Much love , Casey
Deb – we are holding you all in our hearts. So blessed to have spent time with you recently. The tremendous love for your daughter shone through you. May wonderful memories carry you and yours through the ensuing days. You were fortunate to have each other, just not long enough.
What an incredible written tribute to Cinnamon!
Our love,
Jim and Stephanie Henkle
Exquisite obituary it touched my heart I love you all
I am devastated by the loss of Cinnamon, but so very glad I had the opportunity to know her. Rest in peace.
What a touching obituary for a uniquely wonderful individual. Our heart breaks for her sweet parents, Deb and Fred and her family. May Cinnamon’s soul and memories of her “Live Long & Prosper”.
I know the depth of sorrow to lose someone close that you love more than anything. I send my deepest condolences to my friends Fred and Deb and prayers for peace. Cinnamon sounds like a wonderful, unique person I would have loved to know! And prayers for peace in your hearts to all your family.
Cinnamon was beautiful and kind and witty as h ! Despite her recent diagnosis at the time, she comforted me when one of my sons had a serious medical problem in the fall of 2010. I will never forget that.
Fred, Deb, Sage, Cade, Stormy, and Rowan , you are all In our thoughts .
Our condolences to Deb and Fred on the loss of their beloved daughter, Cinnamon. Though I only met her 1 or 2 times at family reunions and did not really know her, our hearts are so sad for the family who loved her. Blessings and love to you all. Cousins, Ann and Tom
We are so touched by Cinnamon’s life story, her interests, humor, and passions. We share the sentiment: may her soul live long and prosper. Fred, Deb and family, we send you our sympathies.
Fred and Deb,
I did not have the privilege to know your lovely daughter, Cinnamon, but after reading her heartwarming obituary, I feel as if I did. She was obviously a woman of remarkable strength, courage, wit and grace. It is apparent she loved life and lived it bravely and with gusto and humor – traits she no doubt inherited from her parents.
Cinnamon is at peace and I hope you are too by the cherished memories of a life so well lived.
I had the pleasure of meeting Cinnamon in person as well as corresponding with her via Facebook and messenger over a period of years. She touched my heart upon meeting and continues to even now. She was a wonderful advocate for the dogs here in Arizona. She will be greatly missed. Condolences and hugs to her family.
Steve and I are sorry for your loss. Your daughter was obviously a beautiful woman both inside and out! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Please let us know if we can do any thing to help. With sympathy, Steve and Kevin Martin
Cinnamon was truly one of the most gentle and kind souls I ever had the honour of being friends with. She was beloved by so many and will be forever missed. While we are still deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort knowing her pain and suffering has been lifted. She will always be with us, at every Star Trek convention, her memory and spirit will reside in the community and keep reminding us about hope and strength and righteousness. May she be in the warm loving grace of God for all eternity.
Judge Gatzke,
Sorry to hear about your lovely daughter. My thoughts and prayers to you and the family.
Deepest Sympathy,
Debra
Cinnamon fostered for TCWN and always helped with posting and transport. She was a really strong animal advocate and loved her fosters as much as she loved her own dogs. I remember she had one particular dog that was most difficult. For the whole time that she was fostering he was the most prey driven dog. She said he never left the area of the bedroom door where the cats were housed just in case one made an escape. Thank goodness for Cinnamon and her family for hanging in there with this foster as many would of said get this dog outta here now he doesn’t like my cats!!! She also gave a wonderful home to Casino who she ended up after fostering for a brief stint making him part of her wonderful family. She was always trying to help in any capacity she could. She will always be remembered as a foster home that was loving, trusting and caring and we felt honored to have her as part of the Tucson Cold Wet Noses family. She will truly be missed by dog, cat and human alike….
I am saddened to hear about Cinnamon. She was an inspiration to many Star Trek fans including myself. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. She will be greatly missed. I look forward to the day we will see her again in Eternity with our Lord and Savior.
A truly beautiful soul. Keeping the family in my thoughts and close to my heart.
Cinnamon has been one of the best things that ever happened to me for 21 years. There will never be another who comes close to the unique bright star who will forever have a portion of my heart. She will always be a positive influence on my life. In my dreams she will live on forever until we meet again on the other side!
Thank so much for those wonderful words Dave. Our lives have changed for ever from the unique celebration of her life on Friday where we gained renewed appreciation and understanding of the incredible life our daughter lived and the thousands of people whose lives she touched so warmly.
Dear Family,
I am so sorry about Cinnamon’s passing. She was so brave and strong, and maintained a huge persona even while very ill. I loved knowing her. My wish is for peace for her family and friends as I know you have lost an amazing person. Cinnamon is now on her own voyage, May she rest in peace. <3
We are touched by Cinnamon’s unique story. The loss of a child is one of life’s hardest things to deal with. I know she left a mark on this world and the hearts of her loved ones, family and friends. May she rest in peace now. …Deb and Fred. We consider you wonderful friends and send our love and heartfelt sympathy… We are here for you.
Love and hugs, Pamela and Bob Jackson
Terri:
Cinnamon, our daughter, listed your organization for those who wish to contribute in her name. I was wondering if you have received any donations. May I have a list with their addresses so I can send them thank you notes? Fred and I will keep Tucson Wet Noses on our own list of favorite charities.
Thanks so much!