Carmen Van Horne, founder of the Malibu Women’s Club, died April 10 in Virginia. She was 76.
Van Horne was born in Renton, Wash. as Carmelita Mary Argano on Feb. 11, 1931. Her parents were Italian immigrants, and she was the oldest of five children.
In 1944, the family moved to South Gate, Calif. where Van Horne attended South Gate High School. She was active in school programs and was responsible for the formation of the girls drill team. She attended Chouinard Art Institute, studying art and fashion design while working as an office manager.
She met Tom Van Horne in 1955, and the two married the next year. They moved to Malibu in 1958.
Recognizing the need for a local charitable organization, Van Horne initiated the formation of a women’s club, which was incorporated as The Women’s League of Big Rock Mesa in 1961. She was elected the first president. The membership was expanded and the club reincorporated as the Malibu Women’s Club in 1964.
During this period, Van Horne continued her voice studies and performed in local operas and weddings. She also continued her art studies with prominent local artists. Van Horne’s works were exhibited in many group and juried exhibitions. She had an award-winning one-woman show in 1971.
Van Horne became active in the major opera support group in Los Angeles, Opera Associates of the Music Center, and was elected president in 1980. She was particularly interested in children’s opera. Van Horne designed and produced a puppet version of “Daughters of the Regiment,” which was performed at numerous schools in the area. She also produced a presentation of “Babar” for children at the Los Angeles Zoo. In further support of opera, Van Horne served several years as a judge in singing contests sponsored by the Loren Zachary Society, which offered contracts for young singers to perform with European Opera companies.
In 2002, the Van Hornes moved to their home in Moneta, Va. on Smith Mountain Lake.
She is survived by her husband, sisters Rosemarie and Loretta, and brother Ralph. Van Horne was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph.
A funeral for Van Horne took place last month in Moneta. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent in her name to the American Association of Kidney Patients, 3505 E. Frontage Road, Suite 315, Tampa, FL. 33607-1796.