Maria Branyas Morera, World's Oldest Person, Dies at 117 in Spain Nursing Home

The loss of Maria Branyas Morera, the world's oldest verified living person, has reverberated worldwide. Born in the United States and later residing in Spain, Maria Branyas achieved the remarkable age of 117 years. Her passing, which occurred peacefully in her sleep, was announced by her family on the social media platform X, where they also expressed their intent to treasure her memory for her wisdom and compassion.

A Life of Resilience

Maria Branyas Morera's long and eventful life spanned significant global events. Born on March 4, 1906, Maria lived through two world wars, the Spanish Civil War, the 1918 flu pandemic, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Her resilience and strength of character, as evidenced by her ability to navigate through these tumultuous times, were truly remarkable. Guinness World Records recognized Branyas as the oldest verified living person in January 2023 following the passing of French nun Lucile Randon at the age of 118.

Despite her impressive frailty in her later years, Maria Branyas Morera's enduring spirit and sharp mind made a lasting impression on those who interacted with her. She spent her final years at the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home in Olot, northeastern Spain. Even after more than a century of life, she engaged with the world around her and maintained a positive outlook. At her 116th birthday celebration in March 2023, she displayed lucidity and fondly reminisced about her childhood, revealing her psychological acuity despite her physical condition. During this celebration, she was deeply moved by the well-wishes from her global fanbase, stating, "This warms my heart."

Endurance Beyond Challenges

Maria Branyas Morera's life was not without its challenges. In 2020, she contracted COVID-19 just weeks after celebrating her 113th birthday. Despite this setback, she demonstrated her tenacity by making a full recovery. However, it is significant to note that she had not spent time in the hospital or suffered injuries throughout her long life, as her youngest daughter, Rosa Moret, observed in 2023.

Maria Branyas Morera's journey began in California, where she was born to immigrant parents. After spending her early childhood in San Francisco, her family returned to Spain, settling in Catalonia. There, she married Joan Moret in 1931 and went on to have three children, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren, thereby leaving behind a significant familial legacy.

Legacy and Reflection

Maria Branyas Morera was not merely a statistic in the realm of longevity; she embodied a wealth of experiences, wisdom, and a spirit that resonated deeply with those who had the privilege of knowing her. Despite the hardships she faced, she maintained a philosophy of positivity and urged her social media followers to "never, ever, become a bitter person no matter what." Her ability to inspire and uplift those around her, even in the face of adversity, speaks volumes about her character.

The Torch Passed On

With the passing of Maria Branyas Morera, the title of the oldest verified living person has now been conferred upon Japan's Tomiko Itooka, born on May 23, 1908, who is currently 116 years old according to the U.S. Gerontology Research Group. As the world bids farewell to Maria Branyas Morera, her indomitable spirit and inspiring journey through an astonishingly long life will remain etched in the collective memory, serving as a beacon of hope and resilience for generations to come.