14/10/2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of the President and Founder of the Getting Them Sober Foundation, and tireless, passionate, champion and protector of families of alcoholics, Toby Rice Drews, who passed away September 22, 2021, at the age of 78 in a hospital in Baltimore Maryland.
Toby was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She survived many challenges growing up.
She received her Masters Degree from Johns Hopkins University and afterwards she worked as a fashion copywriter; taught emotionally-disturbed children and ran a crisis room for Baltimore City Schools; and finally found what she was meant to do wrote articles on alcoholism for national magazines. In the 1970's, she developed and taught courses in colleges in Maryland, on alcoholism and the family. She was a pioneer in the field as no one was talking about alcoholism at that time. Her first groundbreaking book "Getting Them Sober" sold millions of copies and has been translated into many languages. Her book has been endorsed by 'dear Abby', Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, and Melody Beattie. She went on to write many other books to help families of alcoholics and on the subject of alcoholism. She produced a video for Families of Alcoholics which Larry Gatlin wrote the theme song for it called, “There’s a Light at the End of the Darkness.” Gatlin’s song rings true as Toby was the “light at the end of the darkness” for so many who read her books. She saved many lives and helped countless people through her generous sharing of information and knowledge on her website, newsletters, social media, and individual counseling services. She will be missed for her tireless and ceaseless efforts in the Family Disease of Alcoholism
She is preceded in death by her husband Ron and two sisters. She is survived by her adopted family: Tony, Heidi, Carla, Eve, Larry, John, Mary and all the Families of Alcoholics whom she helped and loved.
A beautiful Memorial Service was held at Sol Levinson and Bros. Funeral Home 8900 Reisterstown Rd, Garrison Maryland on September 24, 2021.
The Board of Directors of the Getting Them Sober Foundation is looking into ways to keep Toby's memory and the Foundation alive.
If Toby, has touched your life and you would like to express your appreciation, please consider a donation to the above named funeral home for assistance with expenses related to the burial.
