(Scypre.com) – Maria Branyas Morera, recognized as the world’s oldest living person, has passed away at the age of 117. Born in California in 1907, Maria lived through two world wars, the Spanish Civil War, and both the 1918 flu pandemic and the COVID-19 pandemic. She died peacefully in her sleep, fulfilling her final wish. Her family shared the news on her social media account, stating, “Maria Branyas has left us. She died as she wished: in her sleep, peacefully and without pain.”
Maria had been residing in the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home in Olot, Spain, for the past two decades. On the day before her passing, she posted a message expressing her readiness, saying, “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.”
Branyas was recognized by Guinness World Records in January 2023 as the world’s oldest person following the death of French nun Lucile Randon. After Maria’s passing, the title of the oldest living person now belongs to Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, aged 116.
Despite her advanced age, Maria continued to show resilience. In 2020, she contracted COVID-19 shortly after celebrating her 113th birthday but made a full recovery. Her daughter, Rosa Moret, attributed her mother’s remarkable longevity to genetics, stating that Maria had never required hospitalization, nor had she ever broken a bone.
Maria celebrated her 116th birthday in March 2023, surrounded by friends, family, and her daughter Rosa at the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home. During the celebration, Maria spoke fondly of her childhood and was deeply moved by the greetings she received from fans worldwide. “This warms my heart,” she said, reflecting on the outpouring of love.
Born in California on March 4, 1907, Maria’s early years were spent in San Francisco before her family returned to Catalonia when she was eight. Her life was marked by both triumphs and tragedies, including the loss of her father to pulmonary tuberculosis during their voyage back to Spain. She married Joan Moret in 1931, with whom she had three children, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
Throughout her long life, Maria shared wisdom and positivity with her followers, advising them to “Never, ever, become a bitter person no matter what.”