Molly E Acuña

Molly was born in Old Town San Diego on May 6, 1923, to Jesus and Virginia Enriquez. Her family moved to Oceanside when she was a teenager. She attended Oceanside – Carlsbad High School, where she met her husband of 72 years, Benny Acuña.

They raised four children in Carlsbad: Fred, Virginia, Ben Jr., and Linda.

Molly was highly involved with youth and community activities. Throughout her life, she remained involved with the Boys and Girl Scouts, Little League, Colt and Pony leagues, as well as multiple local school activities.

She was also instrumental in starting Carlsbad‘s first Girls Club and sustaining its existence for 30 years through fundraisers and donations from the community. She remained true to helping anyone in need throughout her life and avoided seeking recognition for her kindness and generosity.

As a result of her selfless actions, Molly was recognized as Carlsbad’s Woman of the Year in 1971, Citizen of the Year in 1975 and was Distinguished Citizen of the Year for San Diego County in 1981. In 1981, Carlsbad honored her with a Master’s Meed, the highest honor paid to a Carlsbad citizen.

Molly was preceded in death by her husband Benny, her two sons Fred and Ben Jr., granddaughter Jeanette Acuña, and her 10 siblings. She is survived by her daughters Virginia Acuna Tammarine and Linda Acuna Fry (Gary), as well as 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Friends and family are invited to help celebrate and honor her life on Friday, May 8, 2026, 1:00 pm, Eternal Hills, Oceanside.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity or youth activity. Molly would love an act of kindness on her behalf.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Eternal Hills Mortuary & Crematory at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, California 92054, US, on May 8, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Graveside Committal will be held at Eternal Hills Mortuary & Crematory at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, California 92054, US, on May 8, 2026, from 2:20 pm to 2:45 pm.

A Reception will be held at Eternal Hills Mortuary & Crematory at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, California 92054, US, on May 8, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.