Josephine Katherine Bagdasarian, born January 19, 1949, in Gary, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly at home on April 30, 2026. She was the daughter of Joseph Drasutis and Nellie Bugdonas. Josephine graduated from CVS High School, where she met her lifelong best friend, Lorraine O’Brien.

After high school, Josephine built a successful career as an art buyer for the advertising firm Leo Burnett, where her creativity and attention to detail were deeply valued. She loved art and her job so much, she would be quick to correct you if you said she worked in marketing instead of the correct, advertising.

Josephine, or “Jody” as she was lovingly called, truly loved life. She spent her free time and retirement years traveling with her beloved family to destinations including the Grand Cayman Islands, Paris, Italy, Hawaii, and Turkey, as well as sailing throughout the Mediterranean. One of her favorite places was Las Vegas, where she enjoyed gambling, and where Les especially loved the buffets. The two shared many memorable years and trips together.

In addition to traveling, Jody cherished time with her granddaughters, especially during sleepovers filled with games of War and board games, watching TV with popcorn, and playing with her many rescued cats over the years. Her first granddaughter, Jacqueline, was fondly known as the “original favorite,” and shared a special bond with her gran—full of trips to what Jackie called “Chick-a-Fay,” where they would play and have tea parties together. In more recent years, Jody delighted in being driven around by her newly permitted granddaughter, a milestone that brought her great joy. She also enjoyed ordering Chinese food from East China Inn or pizza from Al’s Pizza. She was a big fan of blueberry muffins from Mariano’s—unless she was baking them herself with her “favorite grandchild,” Adalynd. She also loved the way her son Patrick grilled ribs and the lasagna made by her loving daughter-in-law, Jodie, of 31 years.

She is survived by her son, Patrick Allton; her daughter-in-law, Jodie “Jodie Jr.” Allton; her adored granddaughters, Jacqueline Josephine, and Adalynd Nellie; and her two cats, Freeway and Mickey.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her adoring husband, Lester “Les” Bagdasarian.

Josephine will be remembered fondly by all who knew and loved her.

Services will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Josephine’s memory to Anderson Animal Shelter of South Elgin: https://ahconnects.org/?form=FUNKKYBVHNX