Carmelita Mary "Carmen" Argano Van Horne passed away April 10, 2007. She was born in Renton, Washington as Carmelita Mary Argano, February 11, 1931. Her parents, Ralph and Laura Argano emigrated to the U.S. from the Naples area of Italy. She was the oldest of five children, Rosemarie and Loretta sisters, Joseph and Ralph brothers. She is survived by her husband Tom and all siblings except her brother Joseph. In 1944 the family moved to Southgate California where she attended Southgate High School. She was active in school programs and was responsible for the formation of the girls drill team. She attended Choinard Art Institute studying art and fashion design while working as an office manager. Tom Van Horne and Carmen met in 1955, married in September 1956 and moved to Malibu California in 1958. Recognizing the need for a local charitable organization she initiated the formation of a woman's club which was incorporated as The Woman'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 Woman's Club in 1964. During this period she continued her voice studies and performed in local operas and weddings. She also continued her art studies with prominent local artists. Her works were exhibited in many group and juried exhibitions. She had a one woman show in 1971. She received many awards including Best of Show. She 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. She designed and produced a puppet version of Daughters of the Regiment which was performed at numerous schools in the Los Angeles district. She also produced a presentation of Babar the Elephant for children at the Los Angeles Zoo. In further support of opera she 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 Carmen and Tom moved to their home in Moneta on Smith Mountain Lake. Carmen will be remembered for her artistic and musical talent and her contributions in the promotion and management of charitable work. Funeral and interment will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2007 at Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the American Association of Kidney Patients, 3505 E. Frontage Road, Suite 315, Tampa, Fla. 33607-1796. Arrangements by Updike Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Bedford.
Published in the Roanoke Times on 4/13/2007.