Curling icon and long-time CBC correspondent Colleen Jones has passed away at the age of 65 after a battle with cancer. Jones, a renowned figure in the sport, claimed world women’s championships in 2001 and 2004 and held the title of Canadian women’s champion six times. With 21 appearances at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts national championships, she holds the record for the most games played by a curler in Canadian history.
In 2017, Jones led Canada to victory at the world senior women’s championship. Her achievements led to her induction into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. Beyond her curling success, she dedicated almost four decades to CBC News as a reporter and host, sharing compelling stories of ordinary Canadians with extraordinary experiences.
Jones retired from broadcasting in 2023, leaving a legacy of breaking barriers as the first female sports anchor in Halifax when she joined CBC in 1986. Before her broadcasting career, she excelled in curling, becoming the youngest skip to win a Canadian women’s title in 1982. Jones credited her sports background for aiding her acceptance in a predominantly male industry.
Throughout her broadcasting tenure, Jones covered 10 Olympic Games from Atlanta to Pyeongchang. She was honored with an appointment to the Order of Canada in 2022 for her significant contributions to women in sports and broadcasting. Even after retiring from CBC, Jones continued to share her expertise by coaching her son’s team at the Brier earlier this year.
Jones emphasized the importance of perseverance and gratitude, advocating for women’s involvement in sports. She passed away surrounded by family at her cherished spot in Maders Cove, as announced by her son, Luke. Her life story and battles, as chronicled in her autobiography “Throwing Rocks at Houses: My Life in and out of Curling,” showcased her resilience and determination to live life to the fullest.
Colleen Jones, survived by her husband, sons, and grandson, leaves behind a remarkable legacy in both the world of curling and journalism.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/colleen-jones-obituary-9.6991829)