​​It is with great sadness that we write this, to inform you that our mother, Joanne Potlas passed away peacefully at home with us by her side, at the age of 92 on January 19th.  Our mom started Royal Oak School in 1967 with the belief that a child’s formal education should begin before first grade and that those children whose education did would be ahead of their peers.  She instilled in her students a belief that they could succeed in any endeavor that they pursued as long as they applied themselves.  She touched all the people around her in a caring and nurturing way.  We have and always will strive to continue to fulfill her legacy.  We want to recognize and thank our wonderful staff.  They have been so caring, helpful, and incredibly flexible stepping up for us during the last several years and especially these last few months as our mom has battled dementia and the related health challenges.  With this support here at Royal Oak, it afforded us the ability to keep our mom at home where we could care for her.  Their help will always be remembered.   The next several weeks will be a difficult time for us both professionally and personally and we hope you can bear with us in our time of grief.  Please do not hesitate to contact us with any comments, questions, or concerns.  Thank you.

​Please view her obituary at Neely Funeral Home website.​