KAHUKU — Four generations of students have come and gone since Pacita Cabbab started work at Kahuku High & Intermediate School.

Today, 51 years later, the cafeteria food service manager — a 1953 Kahuku graduate — is still at it, with no thought of retiring anytime soon.

Great-grandchildren of her first customers now stand in her food line. Even some of her present employees got their start in the business while they were student helpers under her tutelage.

"She's one of those nurturing people that go beyond that cafeteria director and become that auntie-mom," said former student Diane Tafua, whose mother and now her high school daughter have, like her, eaten the food prepared in Cabbab's cafeteria. "Some kids didn't have money and there were kids that were huge, like football players, and she would make sure that they get enough to eat."

Cabbab, 72, the child of immigrant sugar plantation workers, joins a growing number of senior citizens who stay on the job even after they qualify for retirement, said Gary Steinberg, spokesman for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.

Some 16 percent of the 2006 annual average population that is 70 to 74 years old is working, Steinberg said.

"That population is increasing every year," he said.

Cabbab is clear about why she sticks around instead of staying home to enjoy her two grandchildren.

"I really enjoy my job," Cabbab said, adding that as the years have progressed the job has become easier. "So far all the administrations at Kahuku have been very supportive and I have a good staff. That's what makes me come to work every day."

Carol Antonio, 63, a cook at Kahuku for nearly 38 years, said much of the staff has grown older together, making them a good team.

"When we were young it was hard but as we get older we mellow out," Antonio said. "We all get along."

Margarita Meneses, 65, a 25-year employee at the cafeteria, and Maria Galletes, 63, with 20 years at Kahuku, appreciate Cabbab's management style.

"She treats us like a family so we can work together better," said Galletes.

After high school, Cabbab attended Honolulu Community College for two years and worked at the Kunia Elementary School cafeteria for five months before transferring closer to home. She started work at Kahuku in September 1956.

Things have changed over the years. As a student, Cabbab enjoyed the required cafeteria duty, unlike today's students whose arms have to be twisted, she said.

The school got a new cafeteria with modern equipment in 1980.

But the best improvements to operating a cafeteria were the steamer, the kettle and the computer, she said. At first the cook was afraid to use the steamer for fear it would blow up, but the new cooker has saved time and work, Cabbab said.

"I was forced to learn the computer but it paid off," she said, adding that the new technology helps with bookkeeping, tracking payments and end-of-the-month statements.

"I'm ready to retire but it's getting easier so I'll hang on yet," Cabbab said.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.