Carla J. Meier

On May 2, 2022, Carla Jaqueline Meier passed away peacefully and entered heaven. Awaiting her are two loving parents, Charles and Margaret Meier, her beautiful sisters, Nancy Meier Kronick and Deborah Meier, many good friends and her beloved dogs. She is survived by her son, Dave Inabnitt (Cary Burtt), daughter, Leah Meray (Ryan), her granddaughters, Winona and Lyda, niece Jessica Meier, nephew, Kerry Kronick, and many close friends.
Born on January 10, 1947, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Carla married Paul Inabnitt of Lockland, Ohio and eventually moved to Troy, Michigan. There, she raised her children, worked her way up from an administrative assistant to an advertising executive, baked wonderful chocolate chip cookies and generally knew what was going on with everyone. In retirement, Carla did not opt for rest and relaxation. Rather, she became invigorated and put all of her intelligence, passion and skills into organizations that are dedicated to bringing about political and progressive changes. Carla became a tour de force in the Michigan Democratic Party, often working behind the scenes in countless campaigns and volunteering at numerous events. Having been born in an era when women were seen as less capable, she proved those notions wrong and tirelessly championed women's rights. She was considered a "rabble-rouser" who was not afraid to speak her mind and challenge the status quo, yet still remained kind and gracious. Carla's vision always included equality for the LGBTQ+ community, dismantling racist institutions, inclusiveness for marginalized peoples, economic reform to aid social welfare and many other common-sense progressive ideals. Politics are a difficult arena, and Carla made sure that newcomers were welcomed, meetings were kept on track, tasks were completed and still always managed to have time to share wit and wisdom. Her activism included work for MDP Justice Caucus, Michigan's Ninth Congressional District, Oakland County Democratic Party and Troy Democratic Club, along with many campaigns and other progressive causes.
While many will remember her social activism, her family and closest friends will fondly remember her organization skills, silliness with her dogs, long (sometimes too long) stories, remarkable memory, creative Halloween costumes, collection of flashy cocktail rings and her flawlessly beautiful handwriting. Carla was deeply loved by her family and friends, cherished by the parishioners at Christ the Good Shepherd Church, and was admired by co-workers and acquaintances. May her life and dedication to making the world a better, fairer place live on in all who knew her.
A Memorial Service will be held at Lutheran Church of the Master, 3333 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, Saturday, May 7th at 4pm. Friends may visit beginning at 1pm. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/lcmtroy
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the ACLU of Michigan or The Michigan Humane Society in Carla's memory.