The former lieutenant governor of Ontario, and one-time model and fashion entrepreneur, died at 83. She was former lieutenant-governor of Ontario. Born on January 12, 1942, in Ireland, she was the oldest of five siblings. She started her professional life as a haute couture model. This formative experience is what allowed her widowed mother to support herself and her young daughters through their teenage years. During her life, Weston poured this philanthropy into causes such as women’s organizations, volunteerism, and youth.
Weston would eventually become one of the most influential people in luxury fashion. She took her work to Toronto starting in the 1970s. For the past decade, she has taken that expertise to a successful career working with luxury retailers, including Holt Renfrew and Brown Thomas & Co. Alongside this, she provided extraordinary leadership in the Selfridges Group. Her dedication to community service went hand-in-hand with her business pursuits.
A Legacy of Service
In 1997, Hilary Weston was appointed as Ontario’s lieutenant-governor, a position from which she retired in 2002. During her tenure, she focused on bringing to light the incredible impact that volunteers, women, and youth made. Her work laid the groundwork for programs that will help these constituencies for decades to come. One of her notable achievements was the creation of the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Awards, which honors those “otherwise unsung heroes dedicated to serving their communities,” as stated by Edith Dumont.
Weston’s impact on Ontario’s civic life was immense. She actively promoted volunteerism and engaged with various community organizations throughout her term. Her life and labors were a shining testament to the value of public service. Along the way, they inspired millions of young people to provide meaningful service to other Americans.
“Ever gracious and generous, she served Ontario with outstanding dedication and distinction during her term and beyond,” – Elizabeth Dowdeswell
A Family Woman
Weston married W. Galen Weston – today known as Galen Weston Sr. of Loblaw Companies – in 1966. Together, they built a life that would support the raising of four children. Her son, Galen Weston Jr., reflected on her impact, stating, “Our mother lived with unwavering devotion to her family and a belief in the power and importance of community and service.” This strong familial bond was evident in Weston’s life. She prioritized her family while engaging in significant public service.
Her daughter Alannah Weston Cochrane recalled her mom as a trailblazer in business and public service. “It was her vision, coupled with her enormous capacity for hard work, that made her a great female leader,” she noted. This ambivalence, of being at once a fearsome public figure and a tender mother, would characterize Weston’s legacy.
“Brilliant, brave, compassionate, and beautiful, she brought a touch of magic to everything she did,” – Galen Weston Jr.
Contributions Beyond Fashion
Our late former Lieutenant Governor Hilary Weston left her legacy as a local author. Her sense of artistry and commitment to beauty comes through in her writing, having co-authored two books on home and garden design. Her influence on the fashion world and civic engagement brought admiration from the fashion community as well as Washington’s power players.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford paid tribute to Weston’s legacy by recognizing her long-standing dedication to the people of Canada. He referred to her as a “trailblazer and dedicated public servant.” Her wise and powerful spirit guided not only those who knew her but those in generations yet to come.
“Hilary was a very proud Irish-Canadian who served both Ireland and Canada with distinction and generosity,” – Simon Harris
