Cherished Needham Special Olympian, McDonald's Cook Dies

NEEDHAM, MA — A woman who worked at a local McDonald's for over three decades and competed in the Special Olympics has died. Freia David, 55, had Down syndrome but didn't let that stop her from working and making others smile at the Chestnut Street restaurant, where she worked for 32 years. David died on April 30.

"Freia was born to a loving family, having Down (syndrome), but this never slowed her down," her family wrote in her obituary. "She graduated from Needham High School, participated in Special Olympics, had many friends, and enjoyed music, movies, and Mickey Mouse. For 32 years she worked at McDonald’s of Needham where she served up spectacular French fries, teased her co-workers, and greeted everyone with a smile."

David started working for McDonald's in 1984 through the Charles River Center's job placement program for developmentally disabled people. During her career, she became beloved by co-workers, customers and just about anyone who came into the restaurant.

David retired from McDonald's in 2016, but not before her friends, family, coworkers and the community had a party, celebrating everything she brought to Needham.

"Through her time working with us, one thing we all learned was that Freia had more to offer us than we had to offer her," Bob Broughton, director of operations for the restaurant, and Timothy McCoy, owner/operator, said at the time. "Her smile, her enthusiasm, and her daily hugs made our restaurant more than just a restaurant. She is loved and respected by all of our employees, customers and anyone she has come into contact with. We are sad that she is retiring, but very happy for the opportunity we've had working with her."

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton heard about David's passing and paid her respects on Twitter. Clinton said she first heard about David when her McDonald's retirement party went viral.

"Her life reaffirmed our differences only make us stronger," Clinton said on Twitter.

A memorial service was scheduled for June 18 at George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home in Needham.