Unfortunately, no. Just as if two people signed a lease, one would be remain bound--and liable potentially for the full amount of the lease--notwithstanding that the other tenant default, moved out, left without leaving a forwarding address, etc., so too, the death of one tenant does not allow the other tenant off the lease or out of the obligations--even if the remaining tenant cannot afford them. The remaining tenant should look to subletting and assignment of the lease as possible options; he or she should also not be afraid to discuss the matter with the landlord and see if something could be voluntarily worked out--parties can always amend or alter a lease by mutual agreement.