Lois Karp 85 of Melrose, Massachusetts, passed away on September 11, 2026, in Reading Massachusetts after a brief illness. Lois was born in Lynn, MA, on September 28, 1940. She was the daughter of the late Phillip and Ann Goldberg (Mack). She was raised in Malden and graduated from Malden High School Class of 1958. She was the beloved wife of Paul McNamara for 33 years before his passing in 2017. She leaves behind her daughter, Debra Soucy and husband Robert of Fremont, New Hampshire, her son Jeffrey Karp of Haverhill, Massachusetts. Her grandchildren Jonathan Zajac, Alicia Zajac and Jakob Karp; and many dear friends she gathered throughout her life. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Lois had an extraordinary ability to connect with people. She made close friends everywhere she went, and she was someone people could always count on. She had an endless listening ear and a generous heart, and was always willing to help a friend. She would willingly offer advice, or simply be there when someone needed to talk. Her friends knew they could turn to Lois and would have someone who truly listens.

Lois loved enjoying life and making memories with the people she loved. Family vacations were spent in her favorite Caribbean Islands, with a virgin pina colada in her hand. Lois also enjoyed visiting Rockport Cape Hedge Beach and Ogunquit for delicious lobsters at Barnacle Billy’s. She treasured time at the beach, bingo and casinos, spending time with family and friends and of course shopping and Chinese food for lunch. For Lois, the best moments were often the simplest ones: being together, talking, laughing, and enjoying one another’s company. Lois truly enjoyed spending time with her daughter, Debbie, who was also her favorite traveling partner. Together they traveled to many Florida locations as well as many of her favorite Caribbean Islands where they shared love, laughter, occasional disagreements and an unbreakable bond and companionship that only a mother and daughter can have.

One of Lois's proudest accomplishments in life was her 47 years of sobriety and the loyal friendships she established within the Alcoholics Anonymous program. AA was a important part of Lois's life and was very loyal to her many Melrose AA friends and rarely missed a meeting.

Her legacy is the love she gave so freely, the friendships she nurtured, the family she cherished, and the countless people who will always remember Lois with love and gratitude. She will be loved, remembered, and missed always.

Serenity Prayers -  "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." 

Visiting Hours will be held on Monday, September 28, 2026, from 5:00-7:00pm at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, MA 02176.