Laurel Ann Bowman

IPSWICH — Laurel Ann Bowman, 44, of Ipswich, and the partner of Mary Rich, died Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, in the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, following a brief illness.

Born in Needham on Nov. 25, 1964, and daughter of Charles H. and Joan M. (McClellan) Bowman of Virginia Beach, Va., she was raised in Dennis and was a 1982 graduate of the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School and an English and Communication major at Bridgewater State College.

Laurel was the founder and chief executive officer of the Conversion Group Inc., a digital marketing and development agency which she owned and operated to date. She also founded and was the creative director of Red 98 Interactive Agency. Earlier in her career, she was a vice president and creative director at Ingalls Interactive. She started her marketing career as a copywriter at Cabot Advertising.

A musician, Laurel was a songwriter, lead vocalist, guitarist and drummer in two Boston-based bands, The Proletariat and The Lumen Band. She was a graduate of Improv Boston and was a member of the troupe, The Garamondo Files. For three years she served as a board member with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project.

In addition to her partner of 13 years and her parents, she is survived by a brother, John M. Bowman and his wife, Rachelle, of Martinsville, Ind.; a nephew, Sean Patrick Bowman, and a niece, Sierra Rachelle Bowman, both of Indiana; three uncles, William McClellan of Chatham, John McClellan of Canton, and John Bowman of South Yarmouth; and six cousins.

Family and friends are welcome to visiting hours from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home, 6 High St., Ipswich. Her funeral service will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Ipswich Humane Group, P.O. Box 873, Ipswich, MA 01938. For directions or to leave a condolence, please visit www.whittier-porter.com.