Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest known person, has passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 117. Born in San Francisco in 1907, Maria lived through two world wars, Spain’s civil war, and two global pandemics. Her family announced her passing on X, expressing that she died as she wished, “peacefully and without pain.”
A Life Marked by Historical Events- Maria Branyas Morera
Maria’s remarkable life spanned over a century, during which she experienced some of the most significant events in modern history. She survived the 1918 flu pandemic, both World Wars, and the Spanish Civil War. Despite contracting COVID-19 at the age of 113, she made a full recovery, further demonstrating her extraordinary resilience.
Legacy and Longevity
Maria attributed her longevity to a combination of factors, including “order, tranquility, good connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity, and staying away from toxic people.” Her youngest daughter, Rosa Moret, believed genetics also played a role, noting that Maria had never been hospitalized or suffered major health issues.
A Life Well Lived
Maria Branyas was a mother to three children, one of whom has passed, a grandmother to 11, and had many great-grandchildren. She lived her final years in the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home in Olot, Spain, where she was admired for her sharp mind and kind spirit.
Maria’s longevity was officially recognized by Guinness World Records in January 2023, following the death of the previous record holder, Lucile Randon. Her passing marks the end of an era, leaving Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, aged 116, as the oldest living person.
Remembering Maria
Maria Branyas Morera’s life is a testament to resilience, positivity, and the strength of the human spirit. As we remember her, we celebrate not only her long life but also the wisdom and kindness she shared with those around her.
