On a Thursday evening in early July, Colleen Jones and I were in her cozy living room on Newton Avenue in Halifax. The room was bathed in golden sunlight seeping through the blinds, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Colleen’s residence reflects her passion for curling and her family, adorned with books on life mastery and eternal youth. Throughout the house, shelves and end tables display these books along with mementos of her sons Luke and Zach, husband Scott, and grandson. A framed quote above the fireplace reads, “Always believe something wonderful is about to happen.”
Despite having recently undergone emergency hip replacement surgery, Colleen lay on the floor with a pillow supporting her head and a blanket draped over her, legs propped up against the wall for a gentle stretch. Refusing to rely on crutches, she was determined to regain her strength to walk normally and return to the ice.
“Let’s resume our interview,” she said from across the room, signaling our conversation continuation. Earlier that day, we had accompanied Colleen to one of her final chemotherapy sessions where our discussion had commenced.
Colleen’s philosophy centered on surrendering to life’s unpredictability and embracing each moment with gratitude. Her unwavering belief in the power of positivity, manifestation, and spirituality shaped her outlook on overcoming challenges, including her recent battle with cancer.
Unbeknownst to many, Colleen had been fighting cancer for almost three years. Despite this, she chose not to let the illness define her life, shielding her loved ones from unnecessary worry. Throughout the ordeal, she exemplified resilience and an unwavering spirit, drawing strength from her curling background to face each day with courage and determination.
Colleen’s approach to cancer mirrored her competitive spirit in curling, where she excelled by focusing on mental preparedness and physical fitness ahead of her time. She instilled these values in her sons, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey and embracing challenges with tenacity.
Her legacy in curling spanned five decades, marked by numerous championships and accolades. Notable among her achievements were her six Scotties titles, two world championships, and induction into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame and the Order of Canada.
Aside from her curling prowess, Colleen’s broadcasting career at CBC, where she covered nine Olympics, showcased her vibrant personality and genuine curiosity about people’s lives. Her co-hosting role on “That Curling Show” with infectious energy and humor left a lasting impact on those around her.
Colleen’s ultimate wish was for others to maintain hope and belief in life’s miracles, echoing the sentiment of her cherished quote, “Always believe something wonderful is about to happen.” Her life exemplified resilience, positivity, and the pursuit of excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the curling world and beyond.