[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 137 (Friday, August 19, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING MS. CARLA MEIER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HALEY M. STEVENS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 19, 2022

  Ms. STEVENS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Ms. Carla 
Jacqueline Meier of Troy, Michigan, who passed away peacefully on 
Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Carla Meier was a devoted mother, fierce 
progressive activist, and beloved friend and mentor to many, and will 
be truly missed by all who knew her. Carla's work passionately 
defending women's rights and advocating for environmental justice are 
just two examples of the many causes she put her efforts into to serve 
her community. Michigan's 11th Congressional District lost a true 
champion for progressive causes, and the entire Nation owes thanks to 
Ms. Meier for dedicating her life toward fighting for these issues.
  Carla Meier was born on January 10, 1947, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to 
loving parents, Charles and Margaret Meier. She spent her childhood in 
Ohio with her beloved sisters, Nancy Meier Kronick and Deborah Meier, 
before making Troy, Michigan her home as a young adult. Upon settling 
in Troy, Ms. Meier began her career as an administrative assistant. Ms. 
Meier excelled at everything she committed herself to doing. Through 
her hard work and strong intuition, she quickly advanced 
professionally, eventually ascending to the role of advertising 
executive. While forging ahead with her successful career, Carla also 
managed to raise two children and cultivated her reputation as a 
skilled baker and social activist.
  Activism was a key component of what made up Carla Meier. Growing up 
in a time when women were frequently considered less capable, Carla was 
dedicated to women's rights and worked to invalidate this 
misconception. Rather than pursuing a leisurely retirement, Carla 
opted, instead, to pour herself even more into her advocacy work. The 
intelligence, passion, and skills that led her to a successful career 
were also critical to her efforts to create a more just society. The 
world that Carla sought included equality for the LGBTQ+ community, the 
dismantling of racist institutions, inclusiveness for marginalized 
peoples, economic reform to aid social welfare, among many other 
common-sense progressive ideals. Many of these causes were championed 
by Carla through her work with the Michigan Democratic Party, serving 
the Justice Caucus, Michigan's Ninth Congressional District, Oakland 
County Democratic Party, and the Troy Democratic Club. In each of these 
organizations, she made herself invaluable as a volunteer, mentor, and 
leader.
  Ms. Meier's legacy continues through her children, Dave Inabnitt 
(Cary Burtt) and Leah Meray (Ryan), and through her beloved 
grandchildren, Winona and Lyda. Although she was considered by some as 
a ``rabble-rouser'' who was never afraid to speak her mind and 
challenge the status quo, she was also known to be incredibly kind and 
gracious. Carla touched the lives of many with her exuberant 
personality, acquiring many close friends throughout her life who miss 
her. Her family and friends fondly recall her organization skills, 
silliness with her dogs, long stories, remarkable memory, creative 
Halloween costumes, collection of flashy cocktail rings and her 
flawlessly beautiful handwriting, among many other things. It is clear 
that Carla Meier lived a life of purpose and passion, inspiring many to 
continue her work to make the world a better and fairer place.
  Madam Speaker, Ms. Carla Meier was an incredible servant to the 
community and her loss has been felt by so many who adored her. I am 
proud to be one of those who have earned Ms. Meier's support, 
friendship, and mentorship. The memory of Carla Meier inspires me to 
work every day to ensure that the progress led by these remarkable 
women is protected and continued by Congress. I ask my colleagues to 
please join me in remembering the life of Ms. Carla Meier and her many 
contributions toward fighting for a more just society.

                          ____________________