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.