Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Needham

1305 Highland Avenue

Needham, Massachusetts

FREIA DAVID Obituary

DAVID, Freia A. Of Needham, April 30, 2019. Beloved daughter of Anneliese (Rischke) David of Needham and the late Lothar David. Sister of Sabine K. DeVoe and her husband Dale E. of Ft. Collins, CO. Aunt of Tucker D. DeVoe of Boston, Ava M. DeVoe of Austin, TX. Niece of Johanna David of Needham. Freia was born to a loving family, having Down Syndrome, but this never slowed her down. 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. Her retirement party was so well publicized that she became a minor celebrity. At the age of three, she began going to classes at the Charles River Center, and throughout her life this outstanding organization helped her to grow. For the last fifteen years she was helped, supported, and allowed to blossom as a resident of a group home. To all the members of both these organizations our family gives heartfelt thanks! We invite family, friends, and community to celebrate Freia's extraordinary life at a Memorial Service in the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave., NEEDHAM, on Tuesday, June 18, at 11:30am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment private. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Freia's memory to the Charles River Center, 59 E. Militia Heights Dr., Needham, MA 02492. For directions and guestbook, gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons Needham 781 444 0687

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from May 3 to May 5, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for FREIA DAVID

Not sure what to say?





Ursula

April 27, 2024

God bless such a beautiful person and an inspiration to all.

Angela Providence

June 14, 2019

Freia was such a Loving individual. Freia cared about all the staff who she was closed too. I deeply miss Freia and her smiling face. Rest easy Freia and I will always L❤ve You.Angela Edgeston, Charles River Staff

Patty Campbell Hickey

May 26, 2019

Thoughts and prayers for your family. My sister AnnMarie and Freia were good friends growing up in Needham and at Camp People. I worked at Camp People with Freia for many summers. She was a sweetheart.

May 13, 2019

To the family of FREIA DAVID,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss of a beautiful and confident lady. I read the article on the news, and even though I did not know her, I truly see where she has touched so many lives. I am sure that the Love and Joy that Freia has brought to her family and her community will never be forgotten. May God bless her family and friends at this time. In my prayers. Rest in Peace Freia.

Our prayers are with the family

Ursula Kawalec

May 12, 2019

I'm so proud of Freia. She's mine and my daughters hero. My thoughts are with you all

Annemarie Barndt

May 10, 2019

My sincere condolences to her family Heaven gained a beautiful angel

Gary Buckley

May 9, 2019

Nice story about your life story can rest in peace God Bless u

Pauline Hicks

May 9, 2019

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Mica Jaye

May 8, 2019

God bless you soul..

Jep

May 8, 2019

May you rest in peace. Condolences to her family and friends.

May 8, 2019

Sad to hear she passed

Ryan S

May 8, 2019

Be at peace, and your family's grief assuaged. I came across your story on the Internet. You will always be an inspiration.

TAMMY URQUHART

May 8, 2019

RIP sweet angel ...I didn't have the privilege of knowing you but you sound like an amazing person beautiful inside and out God Bless

Teresa Baltazar

May 8, 2019

My thoughts and prayers to the family

Brigid Crisostomo

May 8, 2019

RIP ANGEL, MY SISTER HAS DOWN SYNDROME AND WORKS AT MCDONALD'S TOO> THANK YOU FOR BEING A ROLE MODEL

Brian S

May 8, 2019

I never met Freia. But reading her story it's safe to say that if we had more people like her on this planet, the world would be a much better place. Most of the big news stories we hear or read about on a daily basis have little impact beyond the current news cycle despite the fact that we act like they are earth shattering events. And yet Freia and the few others like her, go about their daily lives in a quiet, unassuming manner and have a positive impact on peoples' lives for decades. Our time on this earth is short. We need to put a lid on our egos and self-righteousness and devote our efforts to making a positive impact on the lives of those we interact with. We need to be more like Freia.

May 7, 2019

The world was a better place because she was in it. RIP Sweet Angel.

Aurora Houser

May 7, 2019

My sincere condolences. Heaven gained a beautiful angel.

Kenny Musillo

May 7, 2019

May she rest well

Wanita Wells

May 7, 2019

Rip angel. You are so loved all over the world. You had a huge impact on this earth.

Andrew Grover

May 7, 2019

Thank you, Freia! We are better off because of your existence here on this earth. Rest now and may God bless you in your eternal reward.

carolyn gabriel

May 7, 2019

Her life was an inspiration and a catalyst for successful employment of Down Syndrome individuals. Her memory will always be a blessing, may it always be honored.

Joey Davidson

May 7, 2019

Prayers to all of the family and friends. Heaven has truly gained a beautiful Angel!

May 7, 2019

Rest in peace

Lauren Gedaminski

May 7, 2019

I remember Freia when she first worked at McDonald's. It was amazing to watch her work, not because she had Down Syndrome, but because she did such a good job, and brought such pride to her work. As the years passed and I found McDonald's had nothing I should be eating, it wasn't really the food I missed. It was seeing Freia.

My sincere sympathies to those who were close to her. I can only hope you find peace in remembering a life so well lived.

Tonia Hamilton

May 7, 2019

Sending prayers, love ❤, thoughts, and Gods Blessings to family and friends of this beautiful lady.

Charlie Lechiaro

May 7, 2019

Sorry for your loss prayers for your family she was well admired

Kevin Mahoney

May 7, 2019

I just read about Freia in the news. I never met her but I am inspired by the positivity she brought to the world.

Pat Ludwig

May 7, 2019

So many memories, good times, and love at Charles River and Special Olympics! My condolences to Anneliese and her family. Will always treasure my time with Freia and Barbara.

Pam Curry

May 7, 2019

Prayers to the family for the loss of a beautiful lady.

Helen Lavene

May 7, 2019

So very sorry for your loss Prayers for her family and friends, her story touched my heart

Katherine H

May 7, 2019

Rest In Peace, Beloved Freia. While we never met, I knew of your exceptional and long-time employment at McDonald's in Needham. I bet your French fries were spectacular. My deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this woman. May wonderful memories bring you peace. Warm Regards, Katherine H.

Christopher Sheehan

May 5, 2019

My beloved neighbor. What a gift to this world. I will miss the hugs and kisses

Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results

Make a Donation
in FREIA DAVID's name

Memorial Events
for FREIA DAVID

Jun

18

Memorial service

11:30 a.m.

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Needham

1305 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492

Funeral services provided by:

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Needham

1305 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492

How to support FREIA's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor FREIA DAVID's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more