Scarborough, Me.      Irene M. Scott, formerly of Portland, Me., died peacefully at Pine Point Center on Dec. 3, 2023      Irene Marion Morin was born in Biddeford, Me. on Feb. 4, 1929. She was the 8th of the twelve children of Alfred Thomas Morin and Beatrice Velma (Graffam) Morin.  At one point, probably when in middle school, Irene was sent, with no explanation to her or her siblings, to live with a minister and his wife.  One of the 12 became separated & alone.       Irene graduated, with first honors, from Biddeford High School in 1947.  She then went off to the University of Maine in Orono as a pre-med student.  As a freshman, she came down with rheumatic fever.  During her junior year, she lapsed into a deep depression after the tragic car accident that killed her English professor who was Irene's mentor and encourager.  As a result of the depression, Irene was hospitalized and received shock treatments that would forever change the trajectory of her life.  She would live with years of normalcy and then years of depression, hopelessness, & despair.       In 1955, Irene graduated from Gates Business College.  She worked for the Federal Agriculture Dept. for a short time and then became the secretary to the Asst. Attorney General of Maine.  During this ten-year period, she became a researcher of law and writer of briefs.  She left this job when she married and moved to Vermont for her husband's job.  She was isolated and not allowed to work.  Volunteer work was not enough for her, and she once again became depressed and thus was hospitalized on several occasions throughout the years.  The marriage ended in divorce.       Eventually, Irene managed to get back on her feet and got a job working in the medical library at Maine Medical Center in Portland. This was a happy place for her because she was surrounded by books and intellectuals. She was able to work there until her retirement.       Irene was a veracious reader and felt most comfortable when surrounded by magazines and books.  She loved reading about the royals, England, & history.  She would turn on her tv at 6:00 pm to listen to the local, state, and national news. Although she was worried about the state of our nation and the world, she still wanted to be informed.  After listening to the news, she would change stations to PBS to be entertained and, perhaps, educated.  Irene loved classical music, art, nature, and animals.  She had a deep devotion to cats and nurtured several throughout the years.      In 1983, Irene legally assumed the name of Scott in honor of the Rev. A. Edward & Mrs. Scott who had a great influence on her early years.      Irene is predeceased by her parents and the following siblings and their spouses: Beatrice "Lucille" (Gerard Twomey) Alfred Francis (Annette) Arnold Henry (Leatrice) Donald Paul Medora "Dodie" Evon (Robert Charette) Earl Richard (Theresa) Rachel Ann (Richard Bartlett) Norman Thomas (Mary Barbara) Joan Betty (Elliott) It is assumed that another sister, Rosamond Jeannette, is deceased, but the family was unable to locate her for decades.      Irene is survived by a sister, Cathleen Faith and her husband Roland Viger of Saco, Me. and several nieces and nephews.      At Irene's request, there will be no viewing or service.  She will be interred at Evergreen Cemetery in Portland.