Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest person, has passed away at the age of 117, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, positivity, and extraordinary longevity. Her death was announced by her family on social media, and Guinness World Records (GWR) confirmed that she died at the age of 117 years and 168 days, making her the eighth-oldest person in recorded history. This article commemorates her life, the historical events she lived through, and the wisdom she shared during her remarkable journey.
Maria Branyas Morera was born on March 4, 1907, in the United States, just a few years after the Wright Brothers’ historic first flight and two years before construction began on the Titanic. Her parents had emigrated from Spain to the U.S. a year before her birth, and the family returned to Spain when Maria was eight years old, during the turbulence of World War I. Settling in Barcelona, she witnessed and lived through significant events like the Spanish Civil War and World War II.
Her long life was a testament to the incredible changes the world has undergone over the past century. From the dawn of aviation to the digital age, Maria’s life encapsulated an era of unprecedented progress and turmoil.
Maria Branyas Morera was officially recognized as the world’s oldest living person by GWR in January 2023, following the death of French nun Sister André at 118. In her later years, despite her advanced age, Maria remained active on social media, communicating with her thousands of followers on X (formerly Twitter) with the help of her daughter. Her bio on the platform proudly stated, “I am old, very old, but not an idiot,” reflecting her sharp wit and mental acuity even in her final years.
Maria attributed her longevity to several factors, including “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.” She believed that luck and good genetics also played a role in her long life. Her philosophy on life was simple yet profound—she focused on positivity, peace, and meaningful relationships.
In a poignant message to her family shortly before her death, Maria expressed her readiness to leave this world, saying, “I don’t know when, but very soon this long journey will come to an end. Death will find me worn down from having lived so much, but I want it to find me smiling, free, and satisfied.” True to her wish, she passed away peacefully in her sleep at the nursing home in Catalonia, where she had lived for the past two decades.
Maria Branyas Morera’s resilience was evident throughout her life, including when she contracted Covid-19 in May 2020 at the age of 113. Despite her age, she recovered from the virus, adding yet another remarkable achievement to her long list of life experiences.
Maria’s passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire. She reminded us all that age is not just a number, but a reflection of the life we live and the joy we find in it. She lived through some of the most significant events in modern history and did so with grace, strength, and an unbreakable spirit.
Maria Branyas Morera’s life was one of extraordinary longevity, filled with wisdom, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. As we remember her, we can reflect on the lessons she taught us about living fully, staying positive, and cherishing the people around us. Her journey through 117 years is a reminder of the incredible strength of the human spirit and the importance of living a life filled with purpose and love.
As we bid farewell to Maria, the title of the world’s oldest living person now passes to 116-year-old Tomiko Itooka of Japan. However, Maria’s legacy will endure as a symbol of a life well-lived and a source of inspiration for generations to come.
