Sylvia Taffel Diehl, 62, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011, at Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford. She was born May 10, 1949, in Long Branch, N.J., daughter of Benjamin and Pearl (Polansky) Taffel.

Ms. Diehl owned and operated the Mizzen Mast Gift Shop, a Rehoboth Beach institution, for over 30 years. She was a very active member and former treasurer of the Delaware Seashore Parrot Head Club and a founding member of the Seaside Jewish Community. A mother to all, a large part of her life was dedicated to philanthropy. She was a walking, talking angel.

Sylvia loved playing the flute, listening to beach music, being surrounded by family and friends and never stopped smiling. She touched many lives and spread her positive vibes throughout the universe. She traveled the world and particularly enjoyed her many trips to Florida and Bali, Indonesia to visit with family.

Sylvia is survived by two sons: Benjamin Dyer Diehl and his significant other Erica Clark of Miami, Fla. and Nathaniel S. Diehl and his wife Eluh of Lewes; a soon-to-arrive grandchild; a brother Sherman Taffel and wife Camellia of Columbia, Md.; a sister Joan Diehl of Baltimore, Md.; and a large extended family and an abundance of wonderful friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 16, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach with the Rev. Beth Cohen officiating. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Seaside Jewish Community Outreach, PO Box 1472, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 or to the American Heart Association, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 101, Newark, DE 19713.