Alexandra Suslova
Alexandra “Sasha” Suslova chose to end her life on February 3, 2026, following a long and painful battle with increasingly debilitating medical conditions. Sasha is survived by her beloved fiancée, Chris Peoples, with whom she shared a home and many cherished pets.
Sasha was born in Uhkta, in the Komi Republic of Russia on March 29, 1993. In those early years following the collapse of the former Soviet Union, the country was in turmoil, causing extreme hardship for Sasha and her birth family that included an older and a younger sister. The three sisters eventually went to live in an orphanage. There, they were adopted and brought to the US, joining an older daughter.
Sasha attended kindergarten in the Columbia, MD area, where she lived with her grandmother, Mary Jane Burke, and aunt, Margaret Burke. After returning to her family for first grade, Sasha spent many happy summers and school vacations with her grandmother. She also lived with her grandmother for parts of her young adulthood.
Sasha attended community college in the Tidewater region of Virginia, where she earned a degree in early childhood development. There she met her husband Matthew Newberry, a soldier at Fort Eustis. Although the marriage dissolved, amicably, Sasha had many fond memories of her time in the area. Sasha was employed at various childcare centers and as a private nanny until becoming a insurance agent for Geico, living in Fredericksburg and Orange, VA. However, due to many chronic illnesses, Sasha was forced to resign, as full-time work proved too challenging.
In 2021, Sasha settled in Martinsville, VA, in a red brick bungalow she enjoyed decorating and improving. She met her fiancé, Chris, and together they lived and raised several rescue cats and their beloved rescue dog, Nox. Sasha made many excellent friends over the course of her life, as her friendly and engaging personality made her a welcome addition to any neighborhood and social circle. She will be missed by all who knew her in addition to her immediate family, above, and extended family including nieces, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Per Sasha’s wishes, she will be cremated followed by a scattering of ashes in the Atlantic Ocean, to be scheduled later. Memorial services are pending. Norris Funeral Services in Martinsville is serving the Suslova family. Online condolences can be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.
