Hilary Weston facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Hilary Weston CM CVO OOnt
Weston in 2013
26th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
In office January 24, 1997 – March 7, 2002
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Governor General	Roméo LeBlanc Adrienne Clarkson
Premier	Mike Harris
Preceded by	Hal Jackman
Succeeded by	James Bartleman
Personal details
Born	Hilary Mary Frayne (1942-01-12) January 12, 1942 (age 83) Dublin, Leinster, Ireland
Spouse	Galen Weston ​ ​ (m. 1966; died 2021)​
Children	Alannah Galen
Occupation	Businesswoman writer

Hilary Mary Weston (born January 12, 1942) is an Irish-Canadian businesswoman and writer. She served as the 26th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1997 to 2002. A Lieutenant Governor is the King's representative in a Canadian province. During her five years in this role, Hilary Weston focused on helping women, encouraging volunteer work, and supporting young people. She also brought attention to those who help people experiencing homelessness, those in hospices, and mentors for youth facing challenges.

Life and Career

Early Life and Family

Hilary Mary Frayne was born and grew up in Dublin, Ireland. She went to school at Loreto Abbey, Dalkey. Before she became a well-known public figure, she worked as a model. In 1966, she married Galen Weston.

In 1974, Hilary and Galen Weston moved to Toronto, Canada. She then became a Canadian citizen. They have two children, Alannah and Galen Jr.. They also have five grandchildren.

Working in Business and Fashion

Before becoming Lieutenant Governor, Hilary Weston worked for over 20 years in business and the fashion world. She was a leader at Holt Renfrew, a famous Canadian store. There, she helped promote Canadian fashion designers and products. She also worked for other companies, including Brown Thomas & Co. in Ireland.

Hilary Weston also co-wrote two popular books about homes and gardens. These books are In a Canadian Garden (published in 1989) and At Home in Canada (published in 1995).

Helping Communities

In 1979, Hilary Weston started the Ireland Fund of Canada. This group helps fund community projects in Ireland. These projects work to promote peace and understanding. She is still an honorary patron of this important organization.

She also cared a lot about early childhood education. She was the first chair of the Mabin School in Toronto. She also helped start the Canadian Environment Educational Foundation. She also created the Winter Garden Show at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

As Lieutenant Governor

As the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Hilary Weston worked hard to make a difference. She focused on important social issues. She supported people who volunteer their time to help others. She also worked to help young people and women.

After Her Term

After her time as Lieutenant Governor, Hilary Weston continued her important work. She led a huge fundraising effort for the Royal Ontario Museum. This campaign raised over $250 million, which is one of the most successful cultural fundraisers in Canadian history.

She also supports many organizations that deal with social issues. These include groups that help people in hospices and those who survived landmines. She also helps the Ontario March of Dimes and the Prince's Trust Canada. Hilary Weston also uses her business and fashion skills to help Selfridges, a famous department store in London.

Awards and Honours

Hilary Weston has received many special awards and honours for her work. These awards recognize her contributions to Canada and the community.

Important Recognitions

In 1997, when she became Lieutenant Governor, she received the Order of Ontario. This is a high honour given by the province. She also became a Dame of Justice in the Venerable Order of St. John in the same year.

In 2003, she was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest civilian honours. She also received the Canadian versions of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. These medals celebrated the Queen's important anniversaries. In 2015, she was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.

Many universities have also given Hilary Weston honorary degrees. These include the University of Western Ontario and the University of Toronto. This shows how much they respect her achievements.

In 2009, the YWCA Toronto gave her the President's Award. This award recognized her strong leadership in both public and private life.

Ribbon Bars

These ribbons represent some of the important awards Hilary Weston has received.

Ribbon	Description	Notes
	Order of Canada (CM)	Awarded in 2003
	Royal Victorian Order (CVO)	Awarded in 2015
	Order of St. John (DStJ)	Awarded in 1997 as a Dame of Justice
	Order of Ontario (OOnt)	Awarded in 1997
	Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal	Canadian version, awarded in 2002
	Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal	Canadian version, awarded in 2012

Images for kids

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  Ribbon for the Order of Canada

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  Ribbon for the Royal Victorian Order

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  Ribbon for the Order of St. John

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  Ribbon for the Order of Ontario

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  Ribbon for the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal

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  Ribbon for the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

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  Coat of Arms of Hilary Weston