Wilma Piper Walker, 85, a beloved teacher and mentor for figure skaters throughout Western New York, died Jan. 2, 2026, in Peoria, Arizona.

She taught primarily at the Amherst Skating Club, where she not only guided many students to their gold medals in ice dancing, but where she ran and participated in “Learn to Skate” programs for more than 35 years. A former competitive figure skater, Mrs. Walker was a graduate of Buffalo State College, where she specialized in teaching children with learning disabilities before focusing her considerable teaching skills on skaters of all ages. After retiring to Arizona with her husband, Don, in 2001, she began a second skating career as a judge for the United States Figure Skating Association.

She is survived by her husband and two daughters. Services will be held on Feb. 7 at the Forum in Peoria, Arizona. Gifts in her memory can be made to the USFSA Memorial Fund, at https://give.usfigureskating.org/give/505409#!/donation/checkout or by mail at 20 First St., Colorado Springs, CO 80906-3624.