Remembering Hilary Weston: A Life of Grace, Leadership and Legacy
Hilary Weston, the former lieutenant-governor of Ontario, business leader, and beloved philanthropist, has passed away at the age of 83. Her death was confirmed by her family this weekend, and it’s a moment that’s being felt deeply across Canada and beyond.
Born in Ireland in 1942, Hilary Weston’s early life wasn’t one of luxury. She was the eldest of five siblings and worked as a fashion model to help support her widowed mother and younger family members. That early sense of duty and resilience stayed with her throughout her life. She married Galen Weston Sr., one of Canada’s most prominent business figures, in 1966, and together they would go on to become one of the country’s most influential couples—both in business and philanthropy.
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In the 1980s and '90s, Hilary carved out her own path in the retail and fashion industry, serving as deputy chair at Holt Renfrew and playing key roles with other upscale retailers like Selfridges and Brown Thomas. But her impact went far beyond the corporate world.
In 1997, she was appointed Ontario’s lieutenant-governor—the province’s 26th and only the second woman ever to hold the role. During her five-year term, her work centered on women, youth, and volunteerism. Her grace and compassion were consistently noted by those who worked with her. She didn’t just hold the title—she lived the role with purpose. And in 2003, she was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honors, in recognition of her dedication to community and public service.
Even after her time in office, her passion for helping others never waned. Alongside her late husband, she helped establish the Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation, which has committed nearly $150 million in recent years to causes spanning healthcare, education, the environment, and refugee support across Canada, Ireland, and the U.K.
Her children, Alannah and Galen Jr., spoke about her not just as a public figure, but as a mother—brilliant, brave, creative, and full of warmth. Her life was described as "a touch of magic," and it’s clear she brought that spirit into every part of her journey, whether it was through policy, charity, business, or simply being a loving presence in the lives of those around her.
Hilary Weston’s legacy is one of elegance, action, and service. Her story reminds us that leadership isn’t always about the spotlight—it’s about showing up with heart, again and again.
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