Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest known person, has died at the age of 117 in Spain.
At a Glance
- Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest known person, has died at the age of 117.
- She was born in the US in 1907 and lived through two pandemics and two world wars.
- Branyas passed away peacefully in her sleep, as per her family’s statement.
- She had lived in the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home in Olot, Spain, for the past two decades.
- Guinness World Records recognized her as the world’s oldest person in January 2023.
A Life Spanning Eras
Maria Branyas Morera’s life spanned 117 years, covering three distinct centuries. She was born in San Francisco in 1907 and later moved back to Spain in 1915 after her father’s death during their voyage. This marked the beginning of a life that would span extraordinary historical events. She witnessed the advent of modern technology, two world wars, and the rise and fall of political regimes.
Having survived the 1918 flu pandemic, both World Wars, and the Covid-19 pandemic, her resilience and longevity offered inspiration to many. Maria was formally recognized as the world’s oldest living person by Guinness World Records in January 2023, attributing her long life to a blend of genetics, emotional stability, and positivity.
A Peaceful Departure
Maria Branyas Morera passed away peacefully in her sleep, a detail confirmed by her family. They announced her passing on social media, emphasizing her peaceful departure. “Maria Branyas has left us. She died as she wished: in her sleep, peacefully and without pain,” her family wrote on her account on X on Tuesday. “We will always remember her for her advice and her kindness.”
Until her death, Maria had been living in the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home in Olot, Spain, for nearly two decades. Her mental lucidity and lack of cardiovascular disease, despite having mobility and hearing issues, add a medical marvel to her life story. Researchers from the University of Barcelona had even studied her DNA to understand the phenomenon of her longevity.
A Witness to History
Her life was not without its share of tragedies and triumphs. Maria married a doctor in 1931 and had three children, 11 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. She had clear memories of the D-Day invasion at Normandy and lived through Spain’s civil war and the Franco regime. She remained an indomitable figure, resisting conformity and embracing life’s changes with grace.
Her advice to others resonated with her philosophy of life. “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,” she said in a post on social media. This encapsulates her enduring positivity and emotional resilience, qualities that undeniably contributed to her remarkable lifespan.
World's Oldest Person, Maria Branyas Morera, Dies 'Peacefully and Without Pain' at 117 https://t.co/vi8UiTW88b
— People (@people) August 21, 2024
Legacy of Longevity
Maria’s passing also marks a significant point in the study of human longevity. The Gerontology Research Group and researchers from the University of Barcelona will continue to analyze her life and genetic makeup to glean insights into what makes some people live longer, healthier lives. As of now, Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, aged 116, holds the title of the world’s oldest living person.
Maria Branyas Morera’s life story serves as a remarkable account of human will, endurance, and the ability to remain unfazed through some of the most turbulent times in history. Her legacy will be remembered by her family and countless people who found inspiration in her words and deeds. Her journey through history has come to an end, but the lessons from her life will continue to guide and inspire many.
As we bid farewell to this extraordinary woman, we are left contemplating the incredible transformations she witnessed. Her centennial existence stands as a powerful example of embracing change, maintaining hope, and living life to its fullest, no matter the odds.
Sources
- World’s oldest person, whose secret was avoiding ‘toxic people,’ dies at 117
- World’s oldest person, Maria Branyas Morera, dies aged 117
- Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera, world’s oldest living person, dies at 117, her family says
- World’s oldest person, a woman born in California, dies ‘happy’ at 117
- Maria Branyas Morera, World’s Oldest Person, Dies at 117
- World’s oldest person, whose secret was avoiding ‘toxic people,’ dies at 117
- World’s oldest person said secret to long life was avoiding ‘toxic people’
- World’s Oldest Person Dies In Spain At 117: Family
- World’s oldest person, Maria Branyas Morera, dies in Spain aged 117
- World’s oldest person Maria Branyas dies in Spain aged 117
- World’s oldest person, Maria Branyas Morera, dies aged 117
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