Susan Axleroad

Susan Axleroad of Washington, DC passed away on December 13, 2024. Susan worked at Families USA for 24 years where she was Director of Grants Management. She is remembered by her colleagues for her passion for justice, kindness to her coworkers, and thorough care in representing the organization to its funders. Health care reform, Families USA's mission, was personal for Susan. Coworkers and friends were inspired by the ways she took care of her own parents through their illness and memory loss, as well as the many ways she has contributed to Families USA's work and her community even while battling her own cancer. She held an MFA in Performing Arts Management and had earlier worked at Arena Stage/Living Theater Company, and various theater jobs in New York and London.

Susan was born to Benjamin Axleroad and Mary Ann Axleroad in Pennsylvania. She also had an older sister, Marianne Axleroad. She was preceded in death by her family. Susan was also a generous, loving and supportive friend and mentor. She volunteered through Southwest DC Action, and mentored in the College Bound program. She will be missed watching the boat parade of Christmas lights near her house – and her neighbors will think of her amidst twinkling lights.

A memorial service will be held on January 17, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at Forest Hills of DC. Forest Hills of DC (FHDC) has established the Susan Axleroad Employee Education Fund with the intent of providing career ladder educational opportunities for FHDC team members. Susan, a 10-year Board member, was proud that FHDC built the first and only nationally Certified Nurse Aide Apprenticeship Program in the history of Washington, DC. A life-long, social justice advocate, Susan was supportive of lifting up long term care workers through educational and wage progression advancement opportunities. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers in Susan's honor via check to "Forest Hills of DC, Susan Axleroad Employee Education Fund, c/o FHDC, 4901 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20008", or PayPal or credit/debit card at https://foresthillsdc.org/donate/.