NORTHAM Senior High School canteen manager Terry Johnson retired last Friday after 39 years of service.
She started in 1975 and joked she could have done one more year, rounding it off at 40.
"I'm 70 years old and could have retired at 63," Terry said.
"But I thought you have to pull the pin at some point and I'd prefer to do it at the end of term."
Terry started at the school canteen as a volunteer, doing one hour a day shifts during the lunch break.
She worked with then-manager Yola Flint and her assistant manager Shirley Christmas.
"As Shirley left I got her job, and when Yola left in 1984 I had hers," Terry said.
Terry said she loved being around students and volunteers, saying they become a part of life.
"I will miss the staff," Terry said.
"We've been through births, deaths and marriages."
She said student behaviour had remained consistent over the years, though citing the occasional "ratbag" who if not polite, wouldn't be served.
"I have seen changes in the school uniform's appearance, though a huge change was the non-ordering of food about 10 years ago," Terry said.
"Everything now is so instant and people think others operate the same way."
She said she had been through a lot of principals and never had a problem with any of them.
There had been various memorable moments, though cited one in particular.
Colleague Diane Stockden was loading the morning milk delivery into the cool room and a mouse jumped out of the crate.
"It ran up the passage towards me, turned and ran straight back at Diane who quickly stomped on it," Terry said.
Colleague Diane Stockden said Terry's service was marvellous and cited her dedication.
Her other colleague Mandy Fernhough called their time together a happy, caring association.
Teacher Steve Cox said Terry has fed generations of students at the school.
"One of the things people keep coming back to is she always had time for everybody," Mr Cox said.
In retirement, Terry will remain in Northam for the time being.
She possibly plans to move to Bunbury with family.
"I have really enjoyed my time at the school," Terry said.
