For Susan Toler Carr and Darrell Carr, service has always been a natural extension of who they are. Susan built a career as a civil engineer and nonprofit leader, and Darrell spent decades as a beloved educator and photographer. Both devoted their professional lives to creating, building, and guiding others. But the heart of their shared purpose has always been their son, Justin.
Justin was a gifted visual and performing artist with a bright spirit and a deep belief in peace. When he passed away at age 16 from sudden cardiac arrest during swim practice, Susan and Darrell transformed their grief into action. They founded a memorial scholarship fund, the Justin Carr Wants World Peace Foundation, at Pasadena Community Foundation to honor his creativity, compassion, and belief in lifting others up. The Carrs’ philanthropy has remained rooted in that spirit: supporting young people through education, community programs, and heart health awareness.
The Carr family, with Justin pictured in between his parents, Susan and Darrell.
In 2024, Susan and Darrell joined PCF’s Legacy Society, naming the Foundation as a beneficiary of their estate. “After losing Justin, we were devastated not only by his absence, but by the loss of the future we had been building for him: the legacy, the life, the good he would do. One day at lunch, Jennifer DeVoll (former PCF President & CEO) shared with us the idea of legacy giving. In that moment, a weight lifted from our hearts. We realized our dreams for Justin did not have to end; they could live on through others. Including PCF in our estate plan allows us to ensure that his vision and values will continue to make a difference for generations to come.”
In 2024, the Eaton Fire brought another devastating loss: their home of 25 years, a place filled with memories of Justin and the life they built together. “Losing the house felt like losing Justin all over again,” they shared. The early days were marked by shock and heartbreak, but they were not alone. Friends, neighbors, church members, and people connected to Justin’s story showed up with meals, shelter, encouragement, and love. “The outpouring of compassion reminded us that love is never consumed by fire.”
The Carrs saved several of Justin’s paintings and art work during the Eaton Fire. Here, they pose with some of them in a profile story in the New York Times. Credit to photographer Molly Shannon.
Though the fire took what could be seen and held, the Carrs’ planned giving through PCF ensures that Justin’s spirit, values, and vision will continue to carry forward for generations. PCF will steward their legacy, and Justin’s, with the same integrity, compassion, and community focus that has always guided their family’s philanthropy.
“PCF provided the structure, care, and stewardship that allowed Justin’s light to continue shining.”
As they look toward rebuilding, Susan and Darrell are embracing possibility. At first, they imagined recreating their historic home exactly as it was. But a simple question from an architect shifted their perspective: What kind of house would Justin want? With that, they began envisioning a future shaped not by loss but by creativity, hope, and Justin’s enduring spirit.
Their partnership with Pasadena Community Foundation is part of that vision. By establishing a legacy fund in Justin’s honor, they are ensuring that his compassion, curiosity, and belief in a better world will continue uplifting young people for generations.
We believe strong communities thrive when philanthropy tackles real needs. To create lasting impact in Greater Pasadena, we focus on six key areas that that drive opportunity, build resilience, and improve well-being.
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Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) hosted its annual Legacy Luncheon on Wednesday, April 26 to honor the donors who fuel PCF’s mission, as well as local professional advisors who have played a vital role in PCF’s growth and sustainability over the decades. It was a full house, with more than 100 guests in attendance. In 2022, […]
John Matthiessen enjoyed a long career as a salesman and then as the owner/operator of PlayWell, a local company that crafted high-quality play equipment for children. After he sold the company in the early 2000s, a friend invited him to visit the Boys & Girls Club Pasadena (BGCP), and John was hooked. “With my company, […]
Growing up in Pasadena and Monrovia, respectively, Bill and Judy understood and appreciated the benefits of community foundations. In fact, Bill’s father created a donor directed fund through PARAID, an organization that donated to Pasadena causes. Bill himself became a respected leader as CEO of a local non-profit — a position that resulted in him […]
Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) hosted its annual Legacy Luncheon on Wednesday, April 26 to honor the donors who fuel PCF’s mission, as well as local professional advisors who have played a vital role in PCF’s growth and sustainability over the decades. It was a full house, with more than 100 guests in attendance. In 2022, […]
