Chelsea Rae Bowen, 15, died March 16, 2009.

She was born in Laconia on Aug. 30, 1993, to Scott and Ida Bowen of Gilmanton. Her family lived in Alton, Rochester and Laconia before settling on Oak Street in Laconia. She attended Holy Trinity School in Laconia, then Pleasant Street School, before moving to Gilmanton.

She graduated with high honors from Gilmanton School in June, 2008. She received the President's Award for Academic Excellence, the Scholastic Art and Writing Award, the Nelson Family Award and the Art Award. She was a freshman at Gilford High School.

She loved art and cherished the company of her many dear friends.

In addition to her parents and sisters Miranda and Brianna Bowen, family includes grandparents Ira and Charlotte Locke, of Amesbury, Mass.; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins from New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

IN HER LIFE: Chelsea will be forever missed by her twin sister, Miranda, and younger sister, Brianna. Together they formed a trio of the closest friends imaginable.

SERVICES: Calling hours are Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Carriage House of Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia.

A memorial Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Sunday at 2 p.m. in St. Joseph Church, 30 Church St., in Laconia. The Rev. Gary Kosmowski, pastor of the church, will officiate.

Memorial donations may be made to Chelsea R. Bowen Memorial Art Scholarship c/o Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 7312, Gilford 03247-7312.