Biography: Susan Bridges Axelroth, 72, died on July 21, 2026, after a long battle with kidney failure and cancer. Despite multiple health problems that limited her activities, she continued to participate in life as long as her health allowed.

Susan was born on June 26, 1954, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Susan was preceded in death by her parents, James and Martha Bridges. She is survived by her husband Philip Axelroth and his children Meagan Friedman (Joe), Justin Axelroth (Jamie), and Darcy Krupitsky (Eugene).  She was Nana to Brayden and Oliver Friedman, Mollie Axelroth, and Rylee, Eli and Caroline Krupitsky, whom she loved.

A proud graduate of Hall High School, she continued her education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, graduating in 1972. She was a good friend to many of her high school classmates, keeping in touch throughout the years. Following college, she worked for many years, including as an office manager for a thoracic surgeon.  Even though she was forced to retire when she was diagnosed with MS, she remained active in multiple organizations, including an organization that provided educational support to young women.

She met her husband through mutual friends. They married in May 2000 and shared the next 26 years together, through thick and thin. She loved the Arkansas Symphony, and they attended both the Masterworks and POPs series for many years. Together, Phil and Susan volunteered for a number of years with Ovation, a symphony support organization. She was a member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, regularly attended services, and completed a number of educational classes.

The last years of her life were difficult, suffering kidney failure and a cancer diagnosis that kept her from activities she enjoyed. Even so, she walked through this with strength, grace, and dignity until the end, when her body said “enough.” She died peacefully in the presence of family members. Her memory will be for a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the National Kidney Foundation, CARTI in Little Rock, or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church on July 28, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.