Hilary Weston attended the Writers' Trust Nonfiction Gala held at Toronto’s TELUS Centre for Performing and Learning in November 2012, an event named in her honour. The Globe & Mail
Hilary Weston, a well-known Irish-Canadian leader, passed away at the age of 83. Her family confirmed her death on Sunday but did not mention the cause. Her son, Galen Weston Jr., said, “Our mother lived with unwavering devotion to her family and a belief in the power and importance of community and service.”
Her Work Before Public Office
Before entering public life, Hilary Weston worked in business. She served as deputy chair of Holt Renfrew from 1986 to 1996. She also played an active role in the charitable work of the W. Garfield Weston Foundation. She and her husband, Galen Weston Sr., were married for 55 years. He passed away in 2021.
Her Role as Lieutenant-Governor
Hilary Weston served as Ontario’s lieutenant-governor from 1997 to 2002. During this time, she focused on improving the lives of youth and women and encouraged volunteer work. In 2003, she received the Order of Canada. Officials praised her for her grace and dedication to serving others.
She was only the second woman to hold the role of Ontario’s lieutenant-governor. Her service left a lasting impact on the province and the country.
A Champion of the Arts and Giving
Hilary Weston loved books. In 2011, she started the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction. This award recognizes excellence in Canadian nonfiction writing.
She also cared deeply about health, education, the arts, and helping people in need. Together with her husband, she launched the Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation. Since 2021, the foundation has donated nearly $150 million to charities in Canada, Ireland, and the UK. The funds have supported causes such as healthcare, women’s rights, refugees, and environmental work.
Family and Friends Remember Her
Her daughter, Alannah Weston Cochrane, said her mother always welcomed a challenge. “She brought creativity and vision to everything she did,” she said. Alannah also called her mother a strong female leader who never backed down from hard work.
Nancy Lockhart, a friend and business associate, spoke about Hilary’s humble beginnings and her rise to success in many areas. “People who worked with her adored her and stayed with her for decades,” she said. She also shared a memory from when Hilary knew she was ill. When someone told her it wasn’t fair, Hilary replied, “No, I don’t feel that way. I’ve had a wonderful life.”
A Life Well-Lived
Rob Prichard, a longtime friend, described her as a global leader. He said she was successful in business, public service, and philanthropy. “She was admired not only in Canada but also in the UK, Ireland, and the U.S.,” he said. He admired her partnership with her husband and their focus on raising their children.
Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister, Simon Harris, also honored Hilary Weston. He called her a proud Irish Canadian and praised her for serving both countries with generosity.
