Former Ontario Lieutenant-Governor Hilary Weston Dies at 83

Hilary Weston, an Irish-Canadian fashion mogul, philanthropist, and former lieutenant-governor of Ontario, has died at 83. Beginning her career as a fashion model to support her family, she later held senior leadership roles in luxury retail, including deputy chair of Holt Renfrew and director positions at Brown Thomas and Selfridges, also contributing to the early success of Primark. From 1997 to 2002, Weston served as the 26th lieutenant-governor of Ontario, focusing on advocacy for women, youth, volunteerism, and marginalized communities, and leading a major fundraising campaign for the Royal Ontario Museum. She was married to W. Galen Weston, a prominent retail and real estate mogul, for 55 years until his death in 2021, and together their family remains one of Canada's wealthiest, with holdings including Loblaw and Shoppers Drug Mart. Weston received numerous honors, including the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario, and was remembered for her devotion to family, community service, and her visionary leadership. Her children and friends paid tribute to her elegance, creativity, and profound impact on business and philanthropy.