Colleen Jones was one of the most celebrated and influential figures in the world of women’s curling, and a pioneering broadcaster in Canadian media. As a champion curler, Olympic commentator, and long‑time reporter for CBC, she left an indelible mark both on ice and on screen. This article explores her life from early years and family background, through her stellar career, to controversies (if any), net worth, and lasting legacy.
Biography
Early Life and Personal Background
Colleen Patricia Jones was born on December 16, 1959 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. She grew up in a large family, reportedly with several siblings. From a young age, she was exposed to curling, joining the Mayflower Curling Club at age 14, the place where she began honing her curling skills. She attended St. Patrick’s High School in Halifax and later enrolled at Dalhousie University for higher education.
Family Life
In her adult life, Colleen Jones married Scott Saunders, an engineer. She was a mother to two sons: Luke Saunders and Zach Saunders. While details about her parents remain mostly private, it is known that she had a large family and that curling was part of the household’s interests.
Final Years and Death
After a long and storied career, Colleen Jones passed away on November 25, 2025, at the age of 65. She died at her favourite spot in Mader’s Cove, Nova Scotia, after a private, three-year battle with cancer. Her death deeply affected the curling community, Nova Scotia, and beyond, marking the end of an era for one of Canada’s most beloved sporting and media figures.
Career Overview
Colleen Jones had a dual career: as a world‑class curler and as a respected broadcaster. Her achievements in both arenas are remarkable.
Curling Career: Champion on Ice
Jones’s curling journey began at Mayflower Curling Club at 14. Early on, she played in junior curling championships. In 1976, she played second for a junior team, and in 1977 she skipped her own junior rink. Her competitive breakthrough came when she was 19, winning her first Nova Scotia provincial women’s title and earning a silver medal at the 1979 Canada Winter Games.
In 1982, at age 22, she became the youngest skip ever to win the national women’s curling championship. Over her career, she appeared in 21 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, a record number for national women’s championships appearances. Her national successes include six Canadian women’s curling championships (1982, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004). On the global stage, she led her team to two world championship gold medals (2001, 2004). Even later in life, she won the world senior curling championship in 2017 and senior national championships in 2016.
Broadcasting & Media Career
Parallel to curling, Jones built a successful media career. She began in radio sports at CHUM radio in 1982. By 1984, she transitioned into television at CTV, and in 1986, she joined the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). From 1993, she became a weather presenter and sports reporter on CBC’s morning news programming.
Jones also provided curling commentary for major events, including Olympic Games for example, she worked with NBC during the 2010 Winter Olympics. More recently, she co‑hosted the online series That Curling Show alongside fellow journalist Devin Heroux during 2021–2024. Her broadcasting career spanned nearly 40 years, ending with her retirement from CBC in 2023.
Coaching & Mentoring
In later years, she also gave back by coaching, including the Owen Purcell rink in 2025. Her influence extended beyond her own teams, serving as a trailblazer for women in both curling and sports journalism.
Controversies and Criticisms
There are no well-documented controversies or major criticisms associated with Colleen Jones that significantly affected her career or reputation. Her life and career were largely celebrated for her athletic excellence and media professionalism.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Estimating net worth for athletes and broadcasters like Colleen Jones is often approximate.
- Some sources estimate her net worth in the range of US $100,000 to US $1,000,000.
- Other sources suggest a higher figure, between US $1 million and US $5 million.
- Some claims go up to US $7 million, though such estimates seem less substantiated.
The variation likely reflects differing assumptions, including income from curling tournament winnings, earnings from her broadcasting career, possible coaching/mentoring contracts, and speaking fees. The more conservative, moderate estimate is low millions (USD).
Legacy and Significance
Colleen Jones’s legacy is profound and multi-faceted, she is remembered not only as a champion athlete but also as a beloved media personality, mentor, and pioneer.
- Her athletic record: six national women’s curling championships, two world titles, a world senior championship, and one of the highest numbers of national appearances ever.
- As a broadcaster: nearly 40 years with CBC, covering sports, weather, curling, and helping popularize the sport across Canada.
- An inspiration: as a woman dominating both sport and media, she broke barriers and served as a role model for younger generations.
- Recognition and honours: Inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame, the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, and received the prestigious Order of Canada (2022).
- Cultural icon in Nova Scotia: celebrated as a proud “Bluenoser” who raised her province’s profile in sports and media.
FAQs — Frequently Asked Questions about Colleen Jones
When was Colleen Jones born?
December 16, 1959, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
How many times did Colleen Jones win the national women’s curling championship?
Six times (1982, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004).
Did she ever win a world curling championship?
Yes, she led her team to two world championship titles, in 2001 and 2004.
Was Colleen Jones involved in broadcasting?
Yes. She worked for nearly 40 years at CBC as a weather reporter, sports reporter, and curling commentator, including Olympic coverage.
When and how did Colleen Jones die?
She passed away on November 25, 2025, at age 65, after a private, three-year battle with cancer.
What is Colleen Jones’s net worth?
Estimates vary, generally between US $1 million and US $5 million, though some sources suggest slightly lower or higher amounts.
What awards or honors did she receive?
She was inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2022.
Conclusion
Colleen Jones’s life story is a testament to talent, dedication, and versatility. As a curler, she achieved extraordinary success, national titles, world championships, and a senior world crown over decades. As a broadcaster, she became a trusted voice for countless Canadians, helping bring curling and other stories into homes across the nation.
Disclaimer: This biography is compiled from publicly available information and is meant solely for informational purposes. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, certain details may vary or be open to interpretation.
