Betty Buckland bid farewell to her friends and loyal customers over morning tea at Eden's iconic Roswitha's Deli.

Betty took over the delicatessen in 1980 and is now stepping into retirement after almost 40 years of being Eden's much loved delicatessen owner and sandwich maker.

In an intriguing coincidence, the day Betty moved into the business was the same day Bob Hawke was first voted into Australian Parliament. She leaves the business a day after the former-PM died.

At Friday's farewell, well-wishers presented Betty with bouquets of flowers among kisses and hugs from friends and customers who consider her a stalwart of the Eden community.

Betty modestly thanked the standing room-only crowd as she cut into a beautifully decorated cake with the words 'Farewell to a legend' fittingly inscribed on the purple icing.

Stories were passed around over scones and cuppas and people poured in from busy Imlay Street to wish Betty all the best.

"Betty used to babysit me. She is the fountain of local knowledge who remembers everything that goes on in town. If you forget, Betty remembers," said Eden local Helen Pickett, before signing a huge dedication card already jam packed with signatures.

Staff member Bev Stone formally farewelled Betty, thanking her for her years of service not just as the deli owner but also as Eden's dedicated nurse and midwife, who "delivered half the town".

"Many people Betty helped bring into the world, who are now in their forties, still come back to see Betty," she said.

Friend Eileen Cameron said Betty would be sorely missed by people from Eden and beyond.

Roswitha's new owner and Eden resident Kristy-Lee Crowley will take over the delicatessen from Monday, May 20.

Kristy-Lee said she was nervous to be stepping into Betty's role but was also excited and looking forward to it.

The Eden Magnet joins our community in wishing Betty Buckland all the best into her retirement and travels.