Beloved McDonald's Fry Cook With Down Syndrome Dies

NEEDHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A beloved woman with down syndrome who worked at McDonalds in Needham for over three decades has died.

Freida David died on April 30, according to her obituary.

David, who retired in August 2016, spent 32 years working the french fry station at the Chestnut Street McDonalds in Needham.

She was a resident of a Charles River Center-supported home.

The non-profit human service agency provides employment and job training for those with disabilities. David was one of the first recipients to receive assistance from their services in 1984.

“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,” her obituary said. “Her retirement party was so well publicized that she became a minor celebrity.”

WBZ NewsRadio’s Carl Stevens was there for her retirement party in 2016.

“We’ve learned a whole lot more from her than we she can ever learn from us,” said Bob Broughton, Director of Operations for McDonalds.

A according to her obituary, a celebration of life for relatives and friends is scheduled for June 18 at 11:30 a.m. at George F. Doherty & Son’s Funeral Home in Needham.


View Full Site