Eileen Larsen McAulay (1944-2026)
By Paso Robles Press · Thu Aug 13 2026
Eileen Larsen McAulay, 82, of Templeton, passed away from Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) on August 6, 2026. The service will be held at 12:30 pm Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Templeton, CA, followed by a reception.
Born on July 22, 1944, at the Naval Base in San Diego, Eileen entered the world while her father, Walter, was serving in the Pacific during World War II. At war's end, the family returned to their Templeton home at 707 Blackburn Street, where Eileen began kindergarten and attended all 12 years of school. It was there that she formed friendships that lasted a lifetime.
While attending San Jose State University and majoring in physical education, she met and married the love of her life, Marty McAulay.
Soon, sons Roger and Craig were born in Davis, California, while Marty was serving as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. After 8 years of military service, the family moved to San Diego, where Marty began flying for PSA Airlines.
Eileen used her degree in physical education to become a pioneer in Aerobic Dance instruction. Her passion led her to travel throughout the United States, teaching instructors and helping to introduce aerobic fitness to communities across the country.
In 1997, Eileen and Marty returned to Templeton, where they made their home overlooking Templeton Park. The park held special memories for Eileen, as it was where she loved to swim and play during her childhood, with her parents living nearby in the family home.
Back in Templeton, Eileen devoted herself to serving her community. One of the most meaningful chapters of her life was serving as President of the American Legion Auxiliary, where she ensured that every departed member was honored with a wreath on their grave each Memorial Day.
She was also a lifelong member of historic Bethel Lutheran Church just down the street. Living so close, she delighted in hearing the church's original bell ring every Sunday morning. Eileen and Marty worked diligently to preserve that historic bell, a gift for which the town will remain forever grateful.
Membership in the Templeton Historical Society was especially important to Eileen. She was passionate about preserving the town's history, as well as sharing the stories of the Larsen family. Her Danish grandfather was among the early settlers of Templeton and owned a bakery that longtime residents still remember today.
Above all, Eileen treasured being a wife and mother. Later, the gift of becoming a grandmother brought sunshine into her life every day. Her world revolved around her family. She was deeply nurturing to family and friends, never forgetting a birthday or a phone call.
Life's final chapter came after a health battle that Eileen and Marty faced with remarkable courage and grace.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregivers—her angels—who gave her the love, support, and strength to fight so hard for so long, with special thanks to her oncologists Dr. Gorgun Akpek and Dr. Gabriel Mannis.
Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Elizabeth Larsen, and by her brothers, Tommy, Roger, and Baby Larsen.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Marty McAulay; her sister, Alice (Peter) Henson; and her loving family, including her children Craig McAulay and Roger (Judith) McAulay with grandchildren Connor and Ben McAulay, and her close nephew Josh (Julie) Larsen and their children Riley, Toby, and Kirsten.
Eileen will be laid to rest in the Larsen family section of Templeton Cemetery, beside her parents and brothers.