Lauretta "Tink" Metzgar Payson

She was born October 11, 1937 in West Groton, a daughter of the late Robert Metzgar and Ruth (Buck) Metzgar Sincerbeaux. She was a graduate of the Groton High School Class of 1955, and had never missed the Annual Alumni Reunion & picnic, last attending in August, 2023. Lauretta made many friends throughout her career, working many years at Smith Corona and later retiring from Borg Warner Automotive.

An avid bowler in the Wednesday and Sunday leagues at the Corona Club, she treasured many memories of state tournaments. She also devoted many hours to volunteering "in the kitchen" as a member of the Post 800 American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed her cats, cooking, working outside and reading- so many books, so little time!

She is survived by her brother, John Sincerbeaux; her daughter and granddaughters: Susan Lillie, and Reagan Garcia (Jason) & Rachel Ayres (Fred); great-granddaughter, Julia Garcia; a son, Leigh Brown; and many nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents, Lauretta was predeceased by a brother, Martin Metzgar, her sister, Nikki Willis, and her step-father, Henry Sincerbeaux.

Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 9 at the Shurtleff Funeral Home, 103 Lincoln Ave., Groton.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday, from 12:00 Noon-2:00 PM, preceding the service.  Interment at a later time will be in Groton Rural Cemetery.

Contributions, in lieu of flowers, are graciously directed to the SPCA of Tompkins County, 1640 Hanshaw Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 or to the Friends of the Groton Public Library, 112 E. Cortland St., Groton, NY 13073.