Mary Elizabeth Brunet has been part of the Houghton/Hancock community for most of her life and is a familiar face to many. As the treasurer of the Elaine Bacon Literacy Program (EBLP), she brings not only her organizational skills but also a deep commitment to helping others. Get to know more about Mary, her volunteer journey, and her reflections on what it means to be part of a community of learners and supporters.
Let’s Get to Know You!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and where you’re from?
I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and that’s what led me to become involved with the Elaine Bacon Literacy Program. I actually knew Elaine personally—she had such a passion for helping others, and I’m proud to carry that on. I’m originally from the Detroit area but have lived in the Houghton/Hancock area most of my life.
How long have you lived in the Houghton/Hancock area? What brought you here?
All my life. My parents moved us from Detroit to the Upper Peninsula when I was a child, and I’ve lived here ever since.
What are some things you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love spending time with my grandchildren, especially my granddaughter who competes in gymnastics. I travel with her to competitions across Michigan and Wisconsin. I also enjoy cross-country skiing and spending time at my cottage in the summer.
Journey with EBLP and Volunteering
How did you first hear about the Elaine Bacon Literacy Program?
I saw a newspaper article calling for volunteers to become tutors. That’s how it all started.
What inspired you to become a conversation partner?
I’ve always found it fulfilling to help others, especially when it involves building connections and sharing language and culture. Being a conversation partner felt like a meaningful way to make a difference in someone’s life.
Are you involved in other programs or organizations in the area?
Yes—I volunteer with 31 Backpacks, serve on a Recreation Committee, and am active in several church groups.
Experiences and Reflections
What do you enjoy most about being part of EBLP?
Currently, I serve on the EBLP Board, and one of the things I enjoy most is hearing the stories of students and how they are progressing in their English language skills.
Is there a moment or story that stands out from your time as a conversation partner?
Yes—one of my students was the wife of a Turkish graduate student. When they moved to Tennessee, she asked her husband to take pictures of the two of us so she could remember our time learning together. She also shared several wonderful Turkish recipes with me, which I still treasure.
What have you learned through your conversations with English learners?
I’ve learned that no matter where we come from, many of our experiences as women and mothers are the same. We share similar hopes, challenges, and goals, and that connection is really powerful.
Personal Note
Do you speak any other languages or have you ever tried learning one?
I’ve learned Spanish, although I’ve found it hard to keep up when I’m not regularly around native speakers.
Have you traveled to other countries or do you have any places you’d love to visit?
I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Singapore to visit my sister and her family – my brother was working there at the time, and I’d really love to visit Finland one day.
Do you have a favorite book, movie, song, or recommendation for our readers?
For new English learners, I highly recommend the Picture Dictionary. It’s been a fantastic resource for students who are still getting comfortable speaking and reading in English.
Message to the Community
What would you say to someone considering volunteering with the literacy program?
It’s a truly rewarding experience. English learners are so appreciative of the help, and you get as much from the experience as you give—maybe more.
Any words of encouragement for our English learners?
Don’t get discouraged if you feel like you’re not learning fast enough. Learning a new language takes time, and English can be especially tricky. Keep going—you’re doing better than you think!
In addition to her work with EBLP, Mary is a proud 1991 graduate of Northern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in management. She was honored with the Hankookin Heikki Award in 2023 for her contributions to preserving and promoting Finnish culture in the Copper Country. Her dedication to celebrating her Finnish heritage is evident in her involvement with the Heikinpäivä Midwinter Festival, hosted by Hancock’s Finnish Theme Committee.
As quoted by the Mining Gazette:
Along with organizing the parade, Brunet can usually be found lending a hand wherever festival work needs to be done, whether that’s in the kitchen, at a registration table, or taking minutes at a meeting – she’s been the Committee recording secretary for a number of years. She’s also a willing volunteer for numerous FTC subcommittees. That hard-working spirit, which she perhaps inherited from her Finnish immigrant grandparents, carried her throughout her adult life. After earning an associate’s degree from Suomi College, Brunet – a Hancock High School graduate – worked at Michigan Tech University. She then took a job with the State of Michigan in a lab that did testing for public health; she worked there until her retirement. While working at the lab, she completed a bachelor’s degree at Northern Michigan University, graduating in 1990. Brunet also taught at Gogebic Community College for a couple of years, and served as Franklin Township clerk for nine years
You can read more about her recognition and story in the Daily Mining Gazette feature article.
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Thank you, Mary, for sharing your story and your heart with our EBLP community!
Interested in becoming a volunteer like Mary? Contact us here to learn more.
Elaine Bacon Literacy Program 