Mary Ann Potts, 77, of Ventura, CA, passed away on September 4, 2026 in Ventura, CA. Mary Ann was born in Perth Amboy, NJ to Edward Skiba and Helen Swies on June 11, 1949. She went to high school at Sayreville War Memorial High School and graduated in 1967. At 25 she married the love of her life, Don Potts, and set out to make a life together in CA. She and Don opened Inflatable Boat Specialists in 1976 which is still operating today as Boat Specialists with the next generation at the helm.
To know our mom was to love her. She had the biggest heart and was always ready for a good chat. She was a connector and made a friend anywhere she went. She stole the hearts of the amazing medical professionals that treated her throughout her chronic illness over the last several years. While life wasn’t easy and the pain and suffering were an ongoing battle our mom was a fighter. She also never wanted to wallow in her pain but rather always asked about everyone else, especially the lives of her grandkids that she loved so deeply. Mom, you will forever be in our hearts. You taught us to love deeply, live simply, and enjoy the people and moments that are near and dear.
Mary Ann is survived by her son, Jared Potts, daughter, Jenna Phillips, daughter in law, Cari Potts, son in law, Brett Phillips, grandsons Everett and Jameson Potts, and granddaughters Addie and Mae Phillips all of Ventura, and her sisters Elaine Skiba and Susan Petzold, and brother in law Michael Petzold of NJ. She is preceded in death by her husband Don Potts and parents Edward and Helen Skiba.
Because our mother had a full life on two coasts it’s been decided to hold a service in both NJ and CA. A funeral mass will be held at St. Stans on 11/24/2026 in Sayreville, NJ with a luncheon to follow. A celebration of life will be held in Ventura, CA on a future date in early 2027. Please contact Jenna Phillips at [email protected] if you would like further information.
Arrangements are under the direction of the BOYKO & REARDON TELEGRAPH ROAD MORTUARY & CREMATION, 15 Teloma Drive, Ventura.