Linda Gail Arkow, 80, of Dedham and formerly of Holliston, died peacefully after living with progressive dementia caused by her MS on Friday, May 8th, 2026. She was surrounded by family. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and was a graduate of Hunter College and SUNY Buffalo. She was the daughter of the late Herman and Belle (Shauer) Arkow. She lived in Holliston for over 45 years before moving to assisted living and memory care in Boston and Dedham.
Linda worked as a licensed, independent therapist and operated her practice for over 35 years in her home, mostly serving adolescents. She was deeply committed to social justice and took pride in her work with the Holliston Democratic Town Committee. As a therapist, she found meaning in serving her community. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, playing games, folk music, singing, and she enjoyed going out to eat with family and friends. She surrounded herself with photos of her family, including a cork wall covered with photos. She photographed clouds and exhibited her work in a local gallery. She was good at remembering people’s birthdays and sending cards. She loved traveling and visited many places in the US, including Canada and Mexico.
Linda is survived by her two children, Audra Karp and her spouse, Deb Albenberg, of Roslindale, and Isadora Howard-Karp and her spouse, Marisa, of Dedham. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Emmett, Lucy, Ila, Evelyn, Isabell, and Hazaiah. She is predeceased by her sister, Judee Arkow, and former spouse, William (Bill) Karp.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 11th, 2026, at 10:45 am at Chesmore Funeral Home in Holliston, 854 Washington St, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com followed by burial in Lake Grove Cemetery in Holliston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Linda’s memory to the Eastern Massachusetts Abortion Fund, emafund.org/donate, or to Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts (LUCE) https://www.lucemass.org/
