World’s Oldest Person
Maria Branyas Morera, recognized as the world’s oldest living person, has passed away at the age of 117. Born in the United States, Branyas lived an extraordinary life, spanning three centuries and witnessing some of the most pivotal events in modern history, including two world wars.
Her family announced her peaceful passing on Tuesday through a post on her social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Maria Branyas has left us. She died as she wished: in her sleep, peacefully and without pain,” her family shared in the heartfelt message.
They went on to express their deep affection for her, saying, “We will always remember her for her advice and her kindness.”
For the past twenty years, Branyas had resided in the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home in Olot, a town in northeastern Spain.
Despite her advanced age, she maintained a presence on social media, where her family managed her account and shared insights from her long life.
In one of her recent posts, Branyas hinted at her weakening health, writing, “The time is near. Don’t cry, I don’t like tears. And above all, don’t suffer for me. Wherever I go, I will be happy.”
Maria Branyas’s remarkable longevity was officially recognized by Guinness World Records in January 2023, following the death of French nun Lucile Randon, who was 118 at the time of her passing.
Branyas’s life story is not just a testament to her resilience and strength but also a window into the profound changes the world has undergone over the past century.
Born in San Francisco in 1907, Branyas moved to Spain with her family at a young age. Her life was marked by her ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.
She lived through the Spanish Civil War, the Great Depression, and both World Wars, witnessing the transformation of societies, economies, and technologies. Despite these challenges, she maintained a positive outlook on life, which she often shared with those around her.
Her family described her as a source of wisdom and comfort, someone whose advice and kindness touched the lives of many. In her later years, Branyas became a symbol of endurance and grace, continuing to engage with the world around her even as she aged.
With Maria Branyas’s passing, the title of the world’s oldest living person now passes to Tomiko Itooka of Japan, who was born on May 23, 1908, and is currently 116 years old, according to the US Gerontology Research Group.
Itooka, like Branyas, represents a generation that has witnessed incredible transformations and lived through some of the most challenging times in recent history.
Branyas’s death marks the end of an era, but her legacy lives on through the memories of her family and the countless lives she touched.
Her life is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and kindness. As the world reflects on her long and eventful life, Maria Branyas Morera will be remembered not just as the world’s oldest person, but as a beacon of hope and resilience.
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