Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest living person, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 117.
Born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, California, Maria’s life spanned over a century, witnessing remarkable historical events and changes.
“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.”
In a recent post, Maria Branyas Morera had already predicted her feeling of weakness probably sensing that her final moment was approaching and wrote:
“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.”
Guinness World Record had also officially recognized Maria as the world’s oldest person back in January 2023, after Lucile Randon of France passed away at 118.
THE world’s oldest person has died at the age of 117 after sharing a heartbreaking final message.
Spanish pensioner Maria Branyas Morera lived through two world wars and a global pandemic with her family revealing she passed away “peacefully and without pain”. pic.twitter.com/I35sA9XPTB
— J Stewart (@triffic_stuff_) August 20, 2024
Maria Branyas Morera, the World’s Oldest Living Person Passed Away At the Age of 117
Maria Branyas Morera was born to Spanish parents in the United States. At the age of eight, her family moved to New Orleans before eventually settling in Catalonia, Spain. This transatlantic journey marked the beginning of a life filled with resilience and adaptability.
Maria lived through two world wars, the Spanish Civil War, and two global pandemics—the 1918 flu and COVID-19. Her longevity was attributed to a combination of good genetics and luck, as she often mentioned.
Despite contracting COVID-19 at the age of 113, she recovered, showcasing her remarkable strength and willpower.
Maria Branyas’ Secret for Longevity
Maria Branyas Morera became the number 8 of the Top 10 Oldest Verified People ever.
She herself told the Guinness World Records she believed her longevity was due to “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… I think longevity is also about being lucky.”
For the last two decades of her life, Maria resided in the Residència Santa María del Tura in Olot, Catalonia. She was known for her wisdom, kindness, and the reflections she shared with her family and followers on social media. Her posts often included advice and insights, reflecting her rich life experiences.
According to the US Gerontology Research Group, the oldest living person for now is Tomiko Itooka from Japan who was born on 23 May 1908 and is 116.
Also, the oldest verified person to have ever lived was Jeanne Louise Calment, a French woman who died in 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days.
