Irene Morck was born in St. John, New Brunswick. She has lived in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and the Caribbean. Her B.Sc. (Honours in Biochemistry) is from the University of Alberta; her teaching certificate from the University of Calgary. Irene taught science at boys' schools in Barbados and Jamaica. She did two years of biochemistry research at the University of the West Indies.

Irene now lives with her husband, Mogens Nielsen, on their farm near Spruce View, Alberta, where they raise hay and grain. Irene is also involved in substitute teaching and freelance photography--she has sold photos for travel posters, magazines, and calendars. Irene and Mogens love trail riding their mules in the mountains, traveling, learning Spanish, snorkeling, hiking, and cross-country skiing.