
One advantage of living overseas is that you meet people who have lived colorful and expansive lives. And that is exactly what kind of life Carol Lovelett has had.
Since arriving in Dublin in 2013, Carol has immersed herself in meaningful volunteer work that includes teaching English to migrants and acting as the FAWCO (Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas) Deputy Representative for AWCD. But before Carol ever came to Ireland she had already seen and done so much.
“I grew up in New York and moved to Atlanta for three years when I was twenty. Then I moved to Denver looking for a meaningful career, where I began nursing school but found my interest in psychology. I joined the army to become a Behavioral Health Specialist and be given tuition assistance while in service. During eight years in the military, I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees.”
While in the army Carol lived in Frankfurt, Germany, and loved being overseas in a country that spoke little English. After a total of five years in Germany over two separate placements, Carol completed her doctorate in behavioral health in Texas, then moved to her husband’s home state of Oregon for the next five years. Feeling the call of the military as troops were sent to Iraq and Afghanistan in the early 2000s she moved to Fort Lewis, WA and worked for Madigan Army Medical Center as a counselling psychologist with active-duty soldiers.
In 2012 Carol and her husband decided to kick off their retirement years in Europe, choosing for many reasons to settle in Ireland. So, in 2013 with just five boxes of personal effects they moved to Dublin 6. Lucky for Carol her grandfather was from Kerry, so she became a citizen right away, and her husband had a visa immediately as a result.
With such a diverse background of life experience, Carol has great advice for new AWCD members in Dublin.
“If you really want to experience Ireland, get involved in volunteer activities. Do not just surround yourself with Americans. You need to embed yourself in the community and meet people who are Irish.
“When I was first in FAWCO I was volunteering with Serve the City which did home painting and garden maintenance for seniors. I was also a baker for Meals on Wheels for nine years.”
Favorite AWCD activities? |
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What has AWCD brought to your life? |
A family; the opportunity to be a “grandma”; my social calendar
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What do you most miss about the US?
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Friends, knowing where to look for goods and services, and the availability of certain items like canned mild chilis and American baking supplies
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Do you ever plan to repatriate? |
No. |
Getting involved can be intentional on your part, but sometimes it can happen through a nudge from a friend.
“I joined the club in 2013, and I met this lovely older lady early on. About one year after I joined, she said ‘it’s time for you to get involved.’
I began with a Parliamentarian role in AWCD and had various other roles— FAWCO Rep, VP Programs, and VP Membership—for five years. After five years the club requires you to take one year off from the board.”
Carol’s longest-running involvement has been with FAWCO, an organization that not everyone in the club knows about.
“FAWCO is actively promoting the cause of women through education, addressing health, and addressing financial self-sufficiency. It's all philanthropic work. Recently we raised money for Awesome Blossoms. A Kenyan woman created this foundation to raise girls up out of poverty.”
It is always important to have attainable goals to structure your life when you move someplace new. For Carol, her goals have been achieved many times over: “keep physically active, keep mentally alert, and give back.”
eNotes is looking for women who are married to an Irish man or who are not originally from the US who want to share their story with the club. The interviews are available to club members only. If you or a friend has an interesting story to share, please reach out to communications@awcd.net. Your story may inspire a recent transplant or connect you with a new friend in Dublin.


Liz Anderson is an American wife and mother living abroad for the second time. She writes about her experiences as an expat in Europe and Asia at anoceanaway.blog. She has called Dublin home since March 2024.