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Maria Branyas Morera, celebrated as the world's oldest person, has died at the age of 117. Born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, Maria's life spanned over a century, witnessing monumental events such as two world wars and the Spanish Civil War.
Her family announced her peaceful passing on Tuesday, stating, "Maria Branyas has left us. She has gone the way she wanted: in her sleep, at peace, and without pain." This heartfelt message was shared on her social media account, where she was affectionately known as "Super Catalan Grandma."
Maria's early years were marked by her family's return to Spain, where she spent the remainder of her life. She resided in the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home in Olot, a town in northeastern Spain. Despite her advanced age, Maria remained mentally sharp and engaged with the world around her. Her social media account, managed with the help of her family, humorously described her as "I am old, very old, but not an idiot."
Her longevity and sharp wit made her a beloved figure both locally and internationally. The Gerontology Research Group, which verifies the ages of the world's oldest people, listed Maria as the oldest known person following the death of French nun Lucile Randon last year.
Her family attributes her long life to a combination of genetics, a positive outlook, and a healthy lifestyle. In interviews, Maria often emphasized the importance of staying active and maintaining a sense of humor.
In one of her last public messages, Maria reflected on her life and the inevitability of death. "The time is near," she wrote, expressing a sense of acceptance and peace with her mortality.
Maria's passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy lives on through the memories of those who knew her and the stories she shared. She leaves behind a family that includes children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom remember her as a loving and inspiring matriarch.
According to the Gerontology Research Group, the next oldest person is Tomiko Itooka from Japan, who is 116 years old.
