Edith Carr

Edith Carr (February 5, 1856 - December 11, 1919) was an American-Canadian China-painter and founder of the YWCA in Victoria, British Columbia. Most notably, she was the elder sister of Canadian artist Emily Carr. for her donations to non-profit religious organizations. Carr raised the funds she would later donate by selling her painted ceramic pieces at Christmas bazaars.

Early life and family Edith "Dede" Carr was born on February 5, 1856, in California and was the first child of Richard and Emily (née Saunders) Carr (July 16, 1818 - November 20, 1888) (July 3, 1836 - September 22, 1886). In 1863, the family moved to Victoria, British Columbia in Canada. She was the eldest of eight children, three of whom died as infants. Of the eight, only one, Clara ("Tallie") went on to marry and have children. Edith Carr spent her young life taking care of her tuberculosis ridden mother and raising her siblings, becoming their guardian. When both parents died in the late 1880s,

Though proud of his English heritage, Richard wanted his children to get a "Canadian education," according to her sister Emily. The children were sent to public school rather than the typical private finishing schools. Richard arrived in Victoria from England after first arriving in California with his wife and two eldest sisters in 1863. There, he set up a provisions importing business on Wharf Street. The Carrs bought four and a half acres of land when they arrived and then hired Wright & Saunders, a local architectural firm to build their home. Richard sold some of the land before his death in 1888.

Relationship with sister, Emily Carr It's reported that Edith and Emily Carr disliked each other. The conflict grew after Edith became head of the family in 1888, which Emily described in her book Growing Pains. Emily accused her sister of beating her and her brother with a riding whip. On one occasion, Emily played a prank on her sister, setting up a meeting between Edith and a Presbyterian minister, and telling each of them that the other had requested the meeting. Initially, there was no official headquarters, so members of the community would meet at the Carr household to talk and pray.

Later life In 1911, the Carr family decided to sell their land, but due to legal restrictions it wasn't sold until 1912. The remaining land was divided between the siblings. Edith rented out the family home and spent $5,000 having a cottage built on her share of the estate at 231 St. Andrews Street in 1913. The Carr's other sister, Elizabeth, lived with her there and used her own share of land for a garden plot. The sisters lived in the cottage until 1916, when Edith and Elizabeth moved back into the family home where Edith continued teaching art lessons.

Death Edith's other sister, Tallie, died in 1919. According to records, Edith mourned her sister excessively, as they were always very close. It is believed that stress from her grief worsened her underlying health conditions. Edith was diagnosed with terminal cancer months later.

Emily returned home to reconcile with Edith before she died on December 11, 1919, in Victoria.