Lois Karp 85 of Melrose, Massachusetts, passed away on September 11, 2026, in North 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 and husband Robert Soucy of Fremont, New Hampshire, her son Jeffrey Karp of Haverhill, Massachusetts. Her grandchildren Jonathan Zajac, Alicia Zajac and Jakob Karp; and many dear friends. Lois greatly cherished her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. 

Lois was a dedicated realtor for over 30 years in Florida and Massachusetts. She also started a monument company with her late husband Paul, located on Eastern Avenue in Malden, MA. 

Lois had an extraordinary ability to connect with others. She had a magnetic personality and energy, developing connections and friendships everywhere she went. She had an endless listening ear, generous heart, and was always willing to help out a friend in need. She was fiercely loyal and her family and friends knew they could always count on her. 

Lois truly lived everyday to the absolute fullest. She greatly cherished spending time and creating memories with those she loved. She treasured traveling, as it was great opportunity to bond and create everlasting memories with her friends and family. Lois was fortunate to frequently travel to Florida, many of the Caribbean Islands, and Ireland. She also loved going to local beaches, with her favorites being Cape Hedge Beach in Rockport, MA, Nahant Beach in Nahant, MA and Ogunquit Beach in Ogunquit, ME. She always had her go to restaurants in mind everywhere she went and they were often a popular topic of discussion, as she loved sharing with others the things that she most enjoyed. Lobsters were a must at Barnacle Billy’s in Ogunquit, ME.

 She loved playing bingo and mahjong, going to casinos and shopping. Lois enjoyed fashion and getting her nails and hair done. She had exquisite taste and always put together the best outfits. In her eyes, the more sparkles, the better. She also loved to dance and going to the theatre to see broadway shows and musicals. For Lois, the best moments were always spent with others and often the simplest ones: just being together, talking, laughing, and enjoying one another’s company. 

Lois enjoyed spending time with her daughter, Debbie, who was also her favorite traveling partner. Together they traveled all over Florida and many of the Caribbean Islands. Lois would never turn down a chance to take a trip with Debbie, and as soon as they would return from one, she was already talking about making plans for their next trip. She loved to soak up the sun, especially with a virgin pina colada in hand. Lois and Debbie shared love, laughter, occasional disagreements and an unbreakable bond and companionship that only a mother and daughter can have. 

One of Lois' proudest accomplishments was her 47 years of sobriety and the loyal friendships she established within the Alcoholics Anonymous program. AA was an important part of Lois's life and she 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. Lois will be always be remembered and dearly missed. 

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." 

Celebration of Life 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.