Elizabeth “Beth” Wahlig Nolan
January 18, 1962 - March 8, 2026
Elizabeth “Beth” Wahlig Nolan passed away on Sunday, March 8th, 2026, at the age of 64, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Medina, Ohio on January 18th, 1962, she was the oldest of four children born to Constance (Shank) Wahlig and the late Charles Theodore Wahlig. In 1970, Beth moved with her family to Dover, Delaware. Soon after, in 1973, her brother, Charlie Michael was born, and the family was complete. Her parents quickly introduced all 4 of the siblings to roller skating. From an early age, Beth, along with her siblings Anne, Cort, and Charlie Michael, devoted countless hours to becoming National Champions in their respective disciplines. Inspired by Charles T. Wahlig, who was inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport of roller skating, Beth began skating at 9 years old and never looked back. She skated all disciplines including figures, dance, freestyle, and speed. In 1978, Beth won a silver medal in sophomore Women’s Figures. In 1980, Beth, along with her skating partner Harvey White, won a gold medal in Senior American Dance. Beth also earned a gold medal in the SRSTA’s achievement program. Once Beth stopped skating competitively, she began coaching; guiding two national champions of her own along the way.
Beth was the owner and operator of the Christiana Skating Center for 28 years along with her brother, Cort. Together, they also owned and operated the Dover Skating Center for 11 years. Beth was a member of the Roller Skating Association (RSA) for 38 years, where she served on several committees throughout those years. She also served as the treasurer of Section 11 of the RSA for over a decade. She received the Presidential Award from Cort to commend her tremendous work keeping the businesses running while he served as vice president, then as president of the RSA, which required him to be away from the business for periods of time.
On April 5th, 1992, Beth married her husband and the love of her life, James. In 1994, her only son, Tyler was born. She spent every day of the rest of her life loving him and working tirelessly to ensure that two things were always taken care of; the Christiana Skating Center, and her son’s future and well-being. Tyler was born with Cystic Fibrosis, which came with an average life expectancy of just 29 years old in 1994. He recently celebrated his 31st birthday in excellent health, thanks entirely to her relentless efforts to keep him healthy as a child, and instill those same habits into his adulthood.
Beth was a kind and loving soul, whose smile was infectious and lit up whatever room she was in. She was a hard-working, compassionate woman who would help with even the smallest things. The community of people who loved her and whom she loved was vast, and the lives she touched were countless. Her life will be remembered as one of great accomplishment, pride, and joy.
Beth was preceded in death by her father, Charles Wahlig (2007); and brother, Charles Michael “Charlie” Wahlig (2025). She is survived by her mother, Constance Wahlig; siblings, Cort and Anne; husband, James Patrick “Jay” Nolan; and son, Tyler William Nolan.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 12 pm on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a time of sharing will begin at 12 pm. Inurnment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Beth’s memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Avenue, Suite 1100 N, Bethesda, MD 20814 or online by clicking here; or to the Roller Skating Foundation, 6905 Corporate Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46278 or online by clicking here.
Trudy Mitchell
I am so very sorry for your loss, Beth was one of my families coaches from Dover and Christina skating clubs. My mom worked in bith snack bar to pay for me, my sis and brothers private lessons. Will miss her and praying for the family.
Marie, Joe and Jessica Gaudy
Our heartfelt condolences to Connie, Anne, Cort and the entire family for this unimaginable loss! ❤️
Gail
Beth you will be so missed. I know you are in heaven with the Lord.
RIP my friend.
Robin Richardson Orcutt
I was deeply saddened to hear about Beth’s passing. She was truly part of a great skating family and I had the honor of competing against (and losing) to her when she won nationals in 1980. She carried on her family’s tradition in a way that I’m sure made her wonderful parents proud. Though we had not seen each other in a long time, I always considered her a special lady and longtime friend. RIP dear Beth.
Twila Robinson
I will always remember her for the kindness and support that she gave to me. She is a blessing to all whose lives she touched especially mine! I will miss seeing her at the rink and talking with her and telling her how much I appreciate all that her and her family does so that I can continue to do the sport I truly love ! She will be sorely missed by her family friends, and loved ones! Thank you for leaving me with some beautiful memories rest in peace, beautiful angel!
Billy Mastriano
I am so sorry to hear of her passing please share my thoughts and prayers 🙏to her family
Becky powell
I am so sorry for your loss. Beth was a wonderful lady. Prayers to the family in this difficult time.
Catey Minch
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Beth was a special person and I know you will miss her greatly. You’re in my thoughts.
Bob Campbell
Rest in peace Beth. God bless you and your family.
jim kennedy
So sorry for the family’s loss–Beth was a great person and a great friend of roller figure skating.
Rosemarie Esquivel
Dear Anne and family. My deepest condolences on your sister’s passing. I pray that you find peace and comfort. So sorry for your loss.
Faith Cortright
I had the opportunity to work with Beth as a coach for the Special Olympics while in college. It was a wonderful experience that I think about often and am grateful for her to give me that chance to work with the skaters.
Marie Joe and Tony DeLuca
We are so sadden to hear of her passing. our thoughts and prayers to Beth and her family.
Lora Agor
I am so sorry to hear of Beth’s passing. I remember her fondly. My sincere condolences to the family.
Kathleen Di Felice
Beth gave so much of herself to all who knew her! I myself have so many fond memories of being fortunate enough to spend many times with the family. Her care and love for her family and friends was so obvious in everything she did. Beth will be greatly missed and always remembered as a person that was so dependable and so fun-loving. My heart goes out to Tyler, Jay, Connie, Anne, Cort, and all the rest of their family and friends.
Thompson Family
Wishing all of the family prayers and love during this time. We will all miss Beth, and wish her peace. Love – The Thompson Family
Marguerite (Poppy) Russek
My condolences to Beth’s family, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Although I was not a competitive skater she always greeted me with a smile and made me feel welcome and appreciated.
I am lucky to have proximity to such a quality facility, thanks to her management skill, but I will miss seeing her and that warm smile.
Sam Waltz
Connie, and family, my wife Sandi and I send our Prayers for the Peace that Passeth Understanding to you and your family on the painful and untimely passing of your daughter Beth. Although the years, and through friends, brought us together with you and Charlie, I really never came to know many of your family. Beth sounds like an extraordinary young woman, and I know many will be grieving her death greatly. Many blessings to your family.
Stacy Fenn
I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Beth personally, but it’s clear from the love and memories shared that she was someone very special. Anyone who meant so much to my dear friend, Dana Chappell, clearly left a beautiful mark on the lives around them.
Sending heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Wahlig and Nolan family and to all who loved Beth. May the many memories you shared bring comfort and peace during this difficult time. Beth’s life truly mattered and her impact will not be forgotten.
Jerry & Charlene (Thibodeau)
Dearest Nolan and Wahlig family,
Sincerest condolences at this time of loss. Jerry and I worked at the Dover Skating Center with the family. I remember Beth driving us down to the beach in her dad’s 2 seat convertible, me 8 months pregnant! We had great times back then. I will always remember how caring Beth was as well as Charles and Connie. May happy memories bring smiles always to your hearts.
Susan Thomas
Hi, you probably don’t know me, I was best friends with Cheryl Clinton. I was with her last week and she told me about Beth. I knew Beth and Ann . I don’t think they remember me. I just wanted to send my heartfelt condolences to your family! I’m so very sorry for your loss! Way too young! God bless her soul and your family!
Tammy Johnson
My deepest condolences to your family.Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Frank Beri
I’m extremely saddened to hear the passing of Beth.
We shared not only the same exact birthday but many years of Fun and Laughter at the rink.
Rest in Peace my Friend 🙏
Dan Benarcik
Anne and the Wahlig family,
And it has been a very long time, but when I saw this this morning, I remembered you and Beth fondly. I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. Just because many years have passed yet the memories are still surprisingly clear.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Sincerely, Dan Benarcik.
Peter Suetterlein
So sorry to hear of Beth’s passing. I remember her working in the Christina Rink Office and coming out to see us and Joshua who skated for her sister Ann. She was always pleasant and cared about her skaters
She will be missed
Peter Suetterlein
Keith & Leslie Harris
We are so sorry for your loss. Although, we briefly knew Beth, we always enjoyed pleasant conversations with her. She will be missed!! Our condolences to the entire family!!
Mike Hamilton
Jay and Tyler,
Our sincerest condolences on Beth’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and Cheryl Hamilton
The Houle Family
We are keeping the Wahlig family in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Lynne Veith
I am truly sorry for your loss. I knew Beth (& family) from skating in the 1970’s & early 1980’s. I think my brother liked the Wahlig sisters.