In Loving Memory of Anita “Jo” Lake-Spada

Anita “Jo” Lake-Spada, 88, of “Pennbrooke Fairways”, Leesburg, Florida, formerly of “Sugar Springs”, Gladwin, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on July 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of her husband and family. Born on May 24, 1938, in Flint, Michigan, Jo lived a life defined by love, dedication, strength, and service to others.

Above all else, Jo was a loving wife, devoted mother, proud grandmother, and loyal friend. Her greatest joy came from her family, and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, encouragement, and unconditional love that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Jo is survived by her beloved husband, Joseph “Joe” Spada; her cherished daughters, Shaun (Ken) Antler, Wendy Lake, and Heather Lake; her stepchildren, Scott (Traci) Spada and Christine (Marcel) Borja; her grandchildren, Tyler Lake, Kaitlin Antler, Jordan Reynolds, Nicole (Joshua) Miles, Connor Reynolds, Joey Spada, and Katelyn Spada; her sisters, Pat Molter and Sharin (Bob) Nagel; and her nieces and nephews, along with many extended family members, dear friends, former students, and athletes whose lives she touched.

Jo's passion for education matched her love of athletics. She attended Central Michigan University as an undergraduate and later pursued her graduate studies at Michigan State University, preparing her for a lifelong career as an educator, coach, and mentor. While continuing her education at Michigan State, she also served as an assistant women's volleyball coach.

Throughout her life, Jo made her home in several Michigan communities, including Flint, Gibraltar, Grosse Pointe Farms, and Gladwin (Sugar Springs), each becoming an important part of her life's journey and cherished memories. After she retired in 2001, she and Joe made their permanent home in Pennbrooke Fairways, Leesburg, Florida, where she enjoyed the comforts of home, family, and community.

A Remarkable Coaching Legacy

‘Jo’ was an extraordinary educator and coach whose impact reached far beyond the playing field. She began her coaching career during the early stages of the Title IX era, a transformative period for women's athletics. As opportunities for girls and women in sports expanded, Jo became a pioneering coach who helped open doors and inspire generations of female athletes to compete, succeed, and believe in themselves.

“Throughout her distinguished career, Jo became one of Michigan's most accomplished coaches in girls' athletics.”

Jo led Flint Holy Rosary to one of the greatest years in the history of Michigan high school sports when her teams won Class D State Championships in Basketball, Volleyball, and. Softball, during the 1975–76 school year. It was a remarkable clean sweep of the three major sports for girls

At Holy Rosary, Jo's teams won six State Championships — two each in Basketball, Volleyball, and Softball.

In 1977, Jo led Mott Community College to a State Championship in Softball, adding another major championship to her already remarkable coaching career.

In 1978, Jo won another Class A Volleyball State Championship at Flint Kearsley High School.

On June 17, 1979, Jo received her most prestigious honor when she was named the “National Coach of the Year” for Girls Volleyball. She was recognized for her outstanding coaching abilities and extraordinary career record.

At the time, Jo had accumulated an incredible career total of 328 wins and 20 losses over an 11-year period at three schools.

Jo set a state record for consecutive volleyball match victories at Flint Holy Rosary with 92 straight wins, before breaking her own record with 98 consecutive wins at Kearsley High School.

Remarkably, from 1973 to 1975 at Holy Rosary, Jo amassed a 106–1 record in three sports: basketball, volleyball, and softball.

In 1981, Jo accepted an offer to join the Michigan State University Volleyball coaching staff while furthering her education, pursuing a PH.D. in Education.

In 1982, Jo was inducted into the “Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame”, recognizing her outstanding career and lasting contributions to high school athletics.

In 1984, Jo led Flint Kearsley High School to another Class A Volleyball State Championship, giving her two “Class A” Volleyball Championships at Kearsley.

In 1985, Jo accepted an administrative position as the Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Gibraltar-Carlson High School, where she continued to contribute her leadership, knowledge, and dedication to athletics and student-athletes.

In 1987, Jo was very proud to be inducted into the “Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame”, a culmination of many years of hard work and dedication to thousands of female athletes, in the Greater Genesse, Flint area.

In 1987, Jo accepted an administrative position as Assistant Principal/Athletic Director for boys’ and girls’ sports at Grosse Pointe South High School, where she worked for 14 years.

In 2001, Jo Retired from her position at Grosse Pointe Public Schools, to enjoy life and happiness with her husband, Joe Spada, at their retirement home in “Sugar Springs on Lake Lancer.”

In addition to these honors, Jo accumulated many more throughout her distinguished career, including major awards, “Coach of the Year” honors, resolutions from the Michigan State Senate and House of Representatives, and appointments to major ‘advisory organizations’ throughout the State of Michigan. These recognitions reflected not only her extraordinary success as a coach, but also the lasting impact she made on women's athletics and the thousands of young women she coached and inspired.

In 2024, Jo was named a “Great Flint and Genesee County History Maker” by the Genesee County Historical Society, honoring her lasting contributions to the community and her extraordinary impact on women's athletics.

“Jo’s key to success was simple: Girls need to be confident as they live their lives. Athletics build the confidence and self-esteem needed to perform in sports, and that confidence carries over into everyday life.”

A Life of Love and Inspiration

Jo inspired generations of young athletes, teaching them not only how to compete, but also the values of discipline, perseverance, teamwork, integrity, and sportsmanship. Her influence will continue through the countless lives she helped shape.

Those who knew Jo will remember her for her generous heart, quiet strength, unwavering support of those she loved, and her ability to make everyone feel welcomed and valued. Whether she was cheering from the sidelines, offering words of encouragement, or simply spending time with family, she made every moment meaningful.

Jo's life was one of purpose, compassion, and remarkable accomplishments. While her family mourns her passing, they also celebrate a beautiful life well lived and find comfort in the memories, lessons, and love she leaves behind.

A “Celebration of Jo's life” will be held Thursday, August 6th, at the Pennbrooke Fairways Grand Hall, beginning at 3:30 p.m. All are welcome.

“A life measured not only by victories achieved, but by the lives she inspired and the love she gave.”