The world’s oldest person, Maria Branyas Morera, has passed away at the age of 117, leaving a legacy that spans over a century of history. The Spanish pensioner, who lived through two world wars and two global pandemics, died peacefully in her sleep, her family confirmed on social media. She left behind a beautiful message for the world.
A life spanning generations
Maria Branyas Morera’s death was announced by her family on X (formerly Twitter), where they shared, “Maria Branyas has left us. She died as she wished: in her sleep, peacefully and without pain. We will always remember her for her advice and her kindness.”
Maria, who was born in San Francisco in 1907 during a deadly outbreak of the Bubonic plague, had a remarkable life. She relocated to Spain, where she lived through the Spanish Civil War, the Spanish flu pandemic, and both world wars. Despite these challenges, Maria maintained her resilience, attributing her longevity to “order,” “tranquillity,” and avoiding “toxic people.”
A farewell message to the world
A devoted social media user, Maria shared her final message with her 16,000 followers on X just hours before her passing. In her post, she expressed a poignant sentiment: “And when my voice is silent with death, my heart will continue to speak of love to you” (Tagore). I feel weak The time is coming. Don’t cry, I don’t like tears. And above all don’t suffer for me. You know me, wherever I go I will be happy, because somehow I will always take you with me.”
This final message resonated deeply with her followers, encapsulating the grace and wisdom she exhibited throughout her life.
A record-breaking life
Maria Branyas Morera became the world’s oldest living person in January of the previous year, after the passing of French nun Lucile Randon at age 118. Despite her advanced age, Maria remained active and engaged with her community, playing the piano until she was 108 and exercising daily until she was 105.
Her remarkable longevity attracted the attention of scientists who sought to understand the secrets to her long life. Maria had agreed to undergo scientific testing, with researchers collecting samples of her saliva, blood, and urine, hoping to gain insights that could lead to advancements in combating age-related diseases.
Family and legacy
Maria’s life was not without its share of personal loss. She married Catalan doctor Joan Moret in 1931, and the couple had three children. Tragically, Maria outlived both her husband, who passed away in 1976, and their only son, August, who died in a tractor accident at age 86. She spent her final days surrounded by her daughters, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren at the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home in northeastern Spain.
Passing the torch
With Maria’s passing, the title of the world’s oldest living person now belongs to Tomika Itooka, a Japanese woman born on May 23, 1908. The record for the oldest person ever, however, remains with Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment, who lived to the extraordinary age of 122 years and 164 days.
Maria Branyas Morera’s death also comes shortly after the world’s oldest man, Juan Vicente Perez Mora, passed away in April, just two months shy of his 115th birthday. Maria Branyas Morera leaves behind not just a family, but a legacy of resilience, wisdom, and a life that touched countless others across the world.
