Obituary of Sylvia D. Diehl, MD

Sylvia Davies Diehl, M.D. died peacefully on February 28, 2018 less than one month before her ninetieth birthday.  Sylvia’s life of service to others positively impacted thousands of families throughout Morris County and beyond.  Predeceased in 2011 by her husband of 53 years, Kenneth R. Diehl, Sylvia leaves three adoring children, Erica J. Diehl and spouse Tori Weinstein of Chatham; Georgia Van Ryzin and husband William of Madison; and David Diehl of Brooklyn.

Born and raised on her family’s apple farm in Congers, NY, Sylvia attended Mt. Holyoke College and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.  Following the lead of generations of trailblazing women committed to making the world a better place, Dr. Diehl held numerous positions in community medicine.  Beloved for her work in the Madison schools, Morristown Memorial Hospital, and particularly as a clinician and then Medical Director of Planned Parenthood Northern NJ, Dr. Diehl enhanced maternal and childhood health for many decades. 

After retiring, she found the time to be a community volunteer.  Sylvia advanced the mission of Dress for Success, Meals on Wheels, the Thursday Morning Club, and other worthy charitable organizations. Sylvia’s legacy of compassion, service to others, love of the arts, and ardent dedication to family has never been more important.  These qualities are embodied in loving grandchildren Bowen, Clarissa, and Ginger Van Ryzin, and Nick and Julia Diehl. 

The family thanks the staff of Garden Terrace, Chatham, and her previous care taker, Lynette Davis, for caring for “Doc” with tremendous affection. 

In Sylvia’s memory, please consider a gift to Planned Parenthood of Morris County, 196 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960, The Madison Ambulance Squad, 29 Prospect Street, Madison, NJ 07940, or Dress for Success, 25 Cook Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940. 

A celebration of Sylvia’s life will be held on April 7th at 2 pm at Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, NJ.

Sylvia, you will be missed - - you made the world a better place.