Hilary Weston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hilary Weston
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Weston in 2013
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| 26th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario | |
| In office January 24, 1997 – March 7, 2002 |
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| 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
January 12, 1942 |
| Died | August 2, 2025 (aged 83) London, England |
| Spouse |
Galen Weston
(m. 1966; died 2021) |
| Children |
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| Occupation |
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Hilary Mary Weston (born Frayne, January 12, 1942 – August 2, 2025) was an important Irish-Canadian businesswoman and writer. She served as the 26th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1997 to 2002. A Lieutenant Governor is like the King or Queen's representative in a Canadian province. During her five years in this role, Hilary Weston focused on helping women, encouraging people to volunteer, and supporting young people. She also brought attention to those who help people without homes, those in special care homes (hospices), and mentors for young people who needed extra support.
Contents
About Hilary Weston
Growing Up and Family Life
Hilary Mary Frayne was born and grew up in Dublin, Ireland. She went to school at Loreto Abbey, Dalkey. Before she got married, she worked as a model. In 1966, she married Galen Weston. They moved to Toronto, Canada, in 1971, and she became a Canadian citizen. They had two children, Alannah and Galen Jr., and five grandchildren.
Her Work in Business and Fashion
Hilary Weston worked in business and the fashion world for more than 20 years. She was a leader at Holt Renfrew, a well-known store, where she helped promote Canadian fashion and products. She also worked as a director for Brown Thomas & Co. in Ireland, another important store.
Serving as Lieutenant Governor
On December 12, 1996, the Prime Minister of Canada, Jean Chrétien, chose Hilary Weston to be the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. She was the second woman ever to hold this important position in Ontario. The first was Pauline Mills McGibbon in 1974.
At her official ceremony on January 24, 1997, she announced a special decision. She said she would donate her entire yearly salary of $92,000 to charity. Her main goals as Lieutenant Governor were to support young people, improve opportunities for women, and encourage everyone to volunteer and help others.
Helping Others: Her Charity Work
Hilary Weston was very dedicated to helping others. In 1979, she started the Ireland Fund of Canada. This group helps fund projects in Ireland that work towards peace and community support. She remained a special supporter of this organization throughout her life.
She was also very interested in how young children learn. She helped start the Mabin School in Toronto. She also helped create and lead the Canadian Environment Educational Foundation. She even started the Winter Garden Show at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Hilary Weston loved homes and gardens, and she wrote two popular books about them: In a Canadian Garden (1989) and At Home in Canada (1995).
After her time as Lieutenant Governor, she led a huge fundraising effort for the Royal Ontario Museum. This campaign raised over $250 million, which was a record for Canadian cultural fundraising. She also supported many groups that helped with social issues. These included organizations that helped people in hospices, supported youth, and assisted those with disabilities, like the Ontario March of Dimes. She also used her business skills to help Selfridges, a famous department store in London, where she was a director.
Later Years and Passing
Hilary Weston passed away in London on August 2, 2025, at the age of 83. She had been living in London in her later years.
Awards and Recognition
Hilary Weston received many important awards for her service and contributions.
- In 1997, when she became Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, she automatically received the Order of Ontario. This is a high honour given by the province.
- She also became a Dame of Justice of the Order of St. John in 1997.
- In 2003, she was made a Member of the Order of Canada, which is one of Canada's highest civilian honours.
- She received medals celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee in 2002 and Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
- In 2015, she was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order by the Queen. This recognized donations made by the Galen Weston Foundation to a college at Windsor Castle.
Many universities also gave her honorary degrees, including the University of Western Ontario, University of Toronto, and Trinity College in Dublin. In 2009, she received a special award from the YWCA Toronto for being a great leader.
Images for kids
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Hilary Weston wearing some of her honour ribbons in 2014.
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The coat of arms of Hilary Weston.
