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McDonald’s employee with Down syndrome retires after 32 years

Freia David is hanging up her hat for the last time after a 32-year stint as a fry cook at the Needham, Massachusetts, McDonald’s.

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Freia David has worked at a McDonald’s in Needham for 32 years. And Freia would have kept at it forever, but as the 52-year-old began to show the signs of early onset dementia that are common in adults with Down syndrome, her mother anxious about her safety amid the bubbling oil of the fry station.

“She is one of the most attractive and upbeat people you could ever hope to know and I know”, wrote loyal patron Christopher Sheehan on Facebook – Sheehan grew up with David and the two are still close.

To say thank you to her, the store is holding a party – and have invited everyone along via the huge sign at the front of the restaurant.

‘I think it would be great to honour her at McDonald’s, I’m sure many people would come to wish her well’.

“I’m so grateful she could stay at this McDonald’s for so long”, said Freia’s mom, Annelise David. McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) was the first company to partner with Charles River Center for providing job opportunities.

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On Monday, she returned for what her family thought would be a small retirement party.

Freia David in the 1980s and last year Charles River Center