Maria Branyas Morera: A Century of Life
Spain bid farewell to an extraordinary woman on Tuesday. Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest living person, peacefully passed away in her sleep at the age of 117. Born in the United States in 1907, she lived through two world wars, two pandemics, and countless historical upheavals.
Her family announced the news on X, expressing their profound loss but also celebrating her life. “Maria Branyas has left us,” they wrote. “She died as she wished: peacefully and without pain. We will always remember her for her advice and her kindness.”
Branyas spent the last two decades at the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home in Olot, northeastern Spain. Just weeks before her passing, she had hinted at her impending departure, asking her loved ones not to cry. Her resilience and optimism were evident even in her final days.
Officially recognized as the world’s oldest person by Guinness World Records in January 2023, Branyas held the title following the death of French nun Lucile Randon. The mantle now passes to Japan’s Tomiko Itooka.
Born in San Francisco to Spanish immigrants, Branyas’ life was a journey across continents and eras. Her family returned to Spain during World War I, a perilous voyage marked by tragedy when her father passed away. She married a doctor, raised three children, and witnessed the Spanish Civil War firsthand.
Remarkably, Branyas contracted COVID-19 in 2020 at the age of 113 but made a full recovery. Her daughter attributed her longevity to genetics, while Branyas herself believed in the power of order, tranquility, strong family ties, and a positive outlook.
Scientists were intrigued by Branyas’ exceptional health. Manel Esteller, a genetics professor, studied her DNA to unlock the secrets of longevity. Despite her advanced age, Branyas possessed a sharp mind and remarkable physical health for someone of her years.
While Maria Branyas Morera may no longer be with us, her extraordinary life serves as an inspiration. She lived through centuries of change, bearing witness to humanity’s triumphs and tragedies. Her legacy is a testament to the human spirit’s enduring strength and resilience.
