COEUR d'ALENE — Minnie McDonald holds a record that will never be broken.

The strongest of athletes, the smartest of scholars, the brightest of business leaders won't get there: 50 years with St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho.

"Fifty years with a company is one thing, yet do the math," said Larry Riley, St. Vincent de Paul's executive director. "Ninety-six, less 50 is 46. Most folks in their mid-40s are thinking of giving you about 15. Not Minnie. She gave us 50."

"Unbelievable," he added.

McDonald, 96 died July 8.

She befriended thousands and was a mentor to hundreds during her life that saw her work as a World War II telegraph operator.

"This makes my heart hurt so much," said one employee. "There will never be another one like Minnie."

McDonald was known for her dedication to the nonprofit's Government Way store and its mission.

She greeted customers from behind the counter or at the door with a smile and conversation.

"More than anyone, Minnie knew where a customer’s hard-earned dollars went," Riley said. "To help people less fortunate. That’s what drove Minnie, helping people any way she could. Heck, she used to work at the hospital before joining us. Helping people. That’s what she did."

Riley said McDonald was his favorite employee to visit with during quarterly staff meetings.

"Always smiling, and participating. When Minnie talked, everybody listened," he said.

Her affable, warm ways were put to the test when St. Vincent's reopened its Coeur d'Alene store when COVID-19 was still an issue. Many people still feared going out.

Some shoppers objected to wearing masks and Riley said he even had to duck some knuckles from one guy.

But not Minnie.

"During the last few years, Minnie was almost our ambassador or greeter," Riley said. "She loved meeting people."

So Minnie offered to stand on the frontlines, chatting with folks as they entered the store.

She worked her magic on all who came her way.

"Nobody gave Minnie a glare or second look when she politely asked them to wear a mask for everyone’s protection, with a wink in her eye," Riley said. "It was a quick, 'Yes, ma'am.' Nobody gave her grief. Nobody."

She will be missed, he said, by staff and customers.

"She was our franchise employee, never to be traded, never will she be replaced," Riley said.

Riley said Minnie was "more rare than an old guy shooting his age in golf." Can you imagine someone 96 shooting a 96 from the white tees? It’s not gonna happen.

"Well, she made it happen, and from the white tees too!" he said.