Little did she know that over 100 people had gathered outside the village shop to bid her a fond farewell.
Brenda, who has served the village for 23 years, was pleasantly surprised and overwhelmed by the show of support from the community.
The post office was among 58 branches across Lancashire which have been forced to close following a government consultation.
Villagers Helen Peters and Rebecca Doody had secretly distributed leaflets to residents asking them to attend, and many wrote notes of appreciation which were then brought together to form a souvenir album filled with photographs and letters.
Brenda, whose parents and grandparents also served in the post office for 50 years, was presented with a bouquet of flowers.
Many of the pensioners in the village expressed their gratitude for the personal shopping deliveries that Brenda makes for them.
One said: "I don't know how we are going to manage. Brenda was always there to help and her post office was a real hub for the community."
Others expressed thanks for the fact that whether it was fuse wire or fruit they needed, they could always 'get it from Brenda's.'
Although residents held meetings and discussed fighting the proposed closure, they felt that the decision had already been made. They now hope the community will support the village shop, which Brenda will open two days a week.
Helen Peters said: "We just hope to support the shop so that doesn't close too. It really is the end of an era."
An outreach service will be held by Brenda on Tuesday and Friday mornings 9.30am to 12.30pm in the neighbouring village hall.