Peggy Ann Centilli passed away March 24, 2024. Margant Ann (Peggy) Centilli was born in Del Rio, Texas January 13, 1949. First born daughter of Mildred and Floryan Centilli, Jr. She attended and graduated eighth grade from Sacred Heart Academy. She excelled in her studies at Del Rio High school and was an accomplished athlete on the varsity girl's basketball team. She graduated with honors from Del Rio High School in 1967. Peggy earned her B.A. degree in Microbiology from the University of Texas in 1971. She worked with Dr. E. L. Powers in radiation biology at the University of Texas, upon Dr. Powers retirement she joined the Zoology Department at the University of Texas working with Dr. Dorothea Bennett and Dr. Karen Artzt. Developing biology was transpiring into a molecular and mechanistic cutting-edge direction as Peggy began her field in developmental genetics.

Studies focused on the proximal region of chromosome 17 in wild mice called the t-complex. Due to the laws extensive studies and research the proximal region of chromosome 17 was successfully genetically mapped on the mouse genome.

Under the direction of Dr. Artzt, utilizing clever techniques and strategies in developmental genetics, the lab cloned the quaking gene. The quaking gene encodes an RNA binding protein and is involved in the progression of several types of tumors, nervous system diseases (i.e. multiple sclerosis), and cancer metastasis.

Throughout Peggy's career she guided many graduate students on their path toward higher science education careers. She enjoyed an incredible scientific career of 40 years at the University of Texas, co-authoring several publications for scientific journals. She retired in 2011.

Peggy was an active member of AAUW-American Association of University Woman. 1985-1986 she served as the president of the Austin branch. 1986 and again in 1999 she was awarded outstanding woman of the Austin branch. She was instrumental in establishing a reading program for adults - what is today Literacy Austin. She was a big advocate for promoting education for young woman in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Peggy loved to travel. She traveled the U.S. (45 states) and canoed many Texas rivers. 1983, her first trip to Egypt and Israel; however was the catalyst that began her international travels. From 1983-2024 she toured; Europe, Asia, South America, Central America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, North America. Her last trip, this past September, was the beaches of Normandy, a life-long dream. She enjoyed many of these trips with St. Catherine Siena Catholic Church group. She had many cherished memories of her times traveling. Antarctica was the only place she did not go. Peggy was a woman of the world.

Besides her worldly travels, in her retirement, she cared for many people's pets while they were away from their homes. She kept a list of every animal's name entitled "My Beloved Furry Friends" and truly loved them dearly. Pet sitting gave her purpose and focus. For over 40 years she met once a month with her bunco babes. Twelve friends, meeting to share food, fun, gossip, and play bunco.

Peggy enjoyed reading and writing. She read books of all genres. Every year she would write her annual Christmas letter informing friends and family of the years activities.

Family, friends, and colleagues remember her passion for life. Always interested in science, current events, sports, and music. Living her life with "No Regrets!"

She is survived by her beloved sisters and brothers; Dorothy Centilli, Michael Centilli, Mary Kay Centilli, Joseph Centilli, Charles Centilli and wife Janet; many relatives and countless friends.

She will be forever missed. "No worries, enjoy the love and music" as she often said.  Rest in Peace.

Funeral services honoring Peggy's life will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in the Chapel of Crofts – Crow Funeral Home in Blanco.  Interment will follow in the Blanco Cemetery.