08/04/2025
On behalf of the current and past Directors of the Ireland Funds, Canada, I send our deepest condolences to the Weston family on the passing of Hilary Weston. Hilary was instrumental in establishing the Ireland Funds in Canada and contributed immensely to nurturing the deep bonds between Canada and Ireland. The Canadian Irish community is strong today because of her vision and leadership. Hilary was a proud Irish Canadian and she will be missed by her many friends and colleagues across the Global Ireland Funds and the broader Irish diaspora. May she rest in peace.
The Ireland Funds is saddened at the passing of businesswoman Hilary Weston, founder of The Ireland Funds Canada. Among her many achievements, she was lieutenant Governor of Ontario and helped build Penneys and Brown Thomas, her family’s retail brands.
Originally from Dún Laoghaire, Hilary established The Ireland Fund of Canada in 1978 after moving to Canada in the seventies with a desire to contribute to peace-building in Northern Ireland. Under her leadership, The Ireland Fund of Canada focused on bringing Northern Ireland’s children together through support for integrated education.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said, “Hilary was a very proud Irish-Canadian, who served both Ireland and Canada with distinction and generosity. In addition to her successful businesses and public service in Canada, through her leadership of the Ireland Funds Canada, she made a lasting contribution to Irish-Canadian relations.”
The Ireland Funds salutes Hilary Weston’s dedication, passion for peace, and philanthropic leadership. May she rest in peace.
