KENNEBUNK — Emily Scott Shandorf, 59, of Kennebunk, died on Dec. 16, 2014, after a final battle with cancer, surrounded by family. Loving to her last breath, her final words were: “I love you, too.”

Emily was born Jan. 9, 1955 in Astoria, Queens, New York, the second daughter of Frank and Charline (Lindner) Scott.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Springfield College and her master’s in social work from the University of New England.

A leading expert on foster care and adoption, she was chosen to lead the formation of the Westbrook branch of Community Health and Counseling Services in 2012, where she put together a team to provide comprehensive mental health services for southern Maine.

Emily, an avowed introvert, could happily hole up in front of the fireplace and spend an entire weekend knitting, cross-stitching, quilting or baking the perfect gift for her vast array of friends and family. She had the rare ability to find and nurture the best in the people around her, and to cherish them for bringing their unique gifts into her life.

Emily was preceded in death by: her parents; and her granddaughter, Anastasia Paradis, in 2013.

She is lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her husband, John, to whom she’s been married for 32 years; her daughters, Michelle Paradis and husband Toby of Orrington and Samantha Shandorf of Kennebunk; her sisters, Janet Brandell of Red Bank, New Jersey, and Cynthia Thomas of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina; and her eagerly awaited grandson, Caden Paradis, due in April.

Friends may call from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014 at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, where a memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. Donations in Emily’s memory may be made to: National Foster Parent Association, Youth Scholarship, 1202 Westrac Drive, Suite 400, Fargo, ND 58103, or online at http://nfpaonline.org/donate. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk. www.bibberfuneral.com.

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