Hilary Weston Net Worth

What was Hilary Weston's Net Worth?

Hilary Weston was an Irish‑Canadian businesswoman, philanthropist, and public servant who had a net worth of $500 million at the time of her death in 2025. Hilary Weston's influence spanned fashion, civic leadership, charity, and cultural patronage.

In 1966, she married Galen Weston Sr., a billionaire businessman and retail magnate who would go on to become one of the richest people in Canada. Galen Weston Sr. built his fortune through ownership of Loblaw Companies, Holt Renfrew, Selfridges Group, and other major retail holdings, and his financial empire placed the Weston family at the top of Canada's business elite. Together, Hilary and Galen formed a philanthropic and social partnership that influenced public life, arts, and charitable foundations across Canada and beyond. Through her decades-long fusion of business, service, and philanthropy, Hilary Weston built a legacy of elegance, leadership, and civic dedication that deeply shaped Canadian culture and public life.

Her elegant public presence and devotion to social causes earned her deeper acclaim when she served as the 26th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1997 to 2002, using her position to shine a spotlight on women's issues, volunteerism, and youth engagement. Following her vice-regal tenure, Weston remained deeply committed to volunteer recognition and charitable work, co-founding and leading multiple nonprofits and cultural campaigns. Through her decades-long fusion of business, art, service, and philanthropy, she built a legacy—both personally and institutionally—that deeply shaped Canadian life and community.

Early Life & Business Career

Hilary Mary Frayne was born on January 12, 1942, in Dublin, Ireland, as the eldest of five children. Following the death of her father, she supported her family by working as a fashion model, which also opened doors to enter the world of retail and design. In 1966, she married Galen Weston Sr., an executive in the family business. The couple moved to Toronto in the early 1970s. Weston became vice-chair of Holt Renfrew in 1986 and served as a director of Brown Thomas & Co. in Ireland. She also co-founded Torwest in the U.S. and held a leadership role at the exclusive Windsor Club in Vero Beach, Florida.

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Lieutenant Governor & Public Service

Appointed Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in 1997, Weston served until 2002. During her tenure, she placed a heightened emphasis on women's empowerment, youth initiatives, and community volunteerism. She established the Lieutenant Governor's Community Volunteer Awards, celebrating the "unsung heroes" across Ontario. In 2001, she was named the first Chancellor of the Order of Ontario. Following her term, she continued her advocacy work, including helping to raise an unprecedented $250 million for the Royal Ontario Museum.

Philanthropy, Writing & Cultural Leadership

Weston had a long-standing dedication to Irish-Canadian relations and community building. In 1979, she founded the Ireland Fund of Canada, supporting peace and community initiatives in Ireland. She also founded the Mabin School in Toronto and co-founded the Canadian Environment Educational Foundation and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair's Winter Garden Show. Weston co‑authored two books—In a Canadian Garden (1989) and At Home in Canada (1995)—blending her passion for design with her philanthropic values.

(Photo by Sonia Recchia/Getty Images for Variety)

Honours & Legacy

Hilary Weston's contributions were widely recognized with prestigious honours: Dame of Justice in the Venerable Order of St. John and member of the Order of Ontario in 1997, Member of the Order of Canada in 2003, and Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 2015. She was also a patron of cultural and social organizations such as the Abbeyfield House Society, Hospice Association of Ontario, Prince's Trust Canada, Survivor Corps, Ontario March of Dimes, and Yonge Street Mission, among others.

Her legacy endures through the Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Nonfiction, one of Canada's premier literary awards, created to honour excellence in nonfiction writing and inspired by her commitment to arts and letters.

Hilary Weston passed away at age 83 in August 2025. She is survived by her son, Galen Weston Jr., chairman and former president of Loblaw Companies Ltd., who has continued the family's leadership in Canadian business. She also leaves behind her daughter, Alannah Weston Cochrane, a creative leader and former chair of Selfridges Group. Her family described her as "brilliant, brave, companionate, and beautiful," noting her "unwavering devotion to family" and belief in the power of community and service. Hilary Weston's legacy endures through her philanthropic initiatives, civic contributions, and the ongoing public impact of the Weston family. She leaves behind a lasting imprint on Canada's business, cultural, and charitable life.

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