Curling legend Colleen Jones remembered for living with ‘joy and gratitude’

Nova Scotia curling legend Colleen Jones, who won six national curling titles and two world championships during her career, died Nov. 25. She was 65. Photo by Nova Scotia Sport Hall of FameArticle contentCurling legend Colleen Jones was known for the bright lights, banners, stones and microphones but, for those closest to her, it was the simple things that mattered most.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentJones died Nov. 25 at the age of 65.Article contentArticle contentIn the eulogy to his wife of 41 years, Scott Saunders spoke of Jones’s love of family, cycling, coffee and their seaside home in Maders Cove.Article content“I had a lot of tears and when I thought about it, it was because we led such a blessed life, untouched by tragedy,” said Saunders at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church in Halifax on Friday morning. “I can’t remember how many times Colleen said, ‘We are so lucky.’ She lived with gratitude for all of our blessings.Article contentArticle content“What’s important to note is she lived her life with joy and gratitude in the things that she saw and experienced.”Article contentJones was an avid cyclist, who enjoyed bike trips throughout Europe.Article content“I can’t count how many times we would come around the corner of some coastal road and she would burst out saying, ‘That is so pretty,’ ” recalled Saunders.Article contentArticle content Team Canada skip Colleen Jones, Kim Kelly, Mary-Anne Waye and Nancy Delahunt (left to right) clutch the trophy after winning the world curling championships in Lausanne, Switzerland on April 7, 2001 by defeating Sweden 5-2. Photo by FileArticle contentOn the ice, Jones was among the greatest to throw a rock. Her accomplishments include two world women’s titles, six Scotties Canadian championships, two Canadian mixed crowns and a world senior title.Article contentJones competed at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts national championships 21 times and played more Scotties games than any curler. She was also the youngest skip ever to win a Canadian women’s title in 1982.Article contentArticle contentShe is a member of Canada’s Sport Hall of Fame and the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame.Article contentArticle contentAway from the rink, Jones carved out a fascinating 37-year career with CBC as a reporter and host, telling stories of everyday Canadians. She was also the first female sports anchor in Halifax.Article contentHer open-minded seeking and sense of adventure served her well in that role.Article content“Colleen was exceptional at managing all this, her office, her makeup room and booking network all ran from the front seat of her car,” said Saunders. “While in the car in traffic, she could book an interview, put on makeup and arrive just in time.”Article contentArticle content Colleen Jones, with her husband Scott Saunders, represented Nova Scotia as skips at the 2011 Canadian senior curling championships in Digby. Photo by Herald FileArticle contentArticle contentSaunders said her curling and work careers took off when their young family, with sons Luke and Zach, was established.Article content“With the kids and her career fully launched, she broke out in full blossom in the late ’90s and early 2000s. She literally became the embodiment of the then-contemporary Super Mom.”