Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest person, passed away at the age of 117, leaving behind a legacy of a long and fulfilling life. Born in San Francisco in 1907 to Spanish parents, Branyas lived in various places throughout her life, including New Orleans and Spain. She had vivid memories of crossing the Atlantic Ocean during World War I, showcasing a lifetime of experiences that spanned over a century. Despite her age, Branyas maintained a sharp wit and sense of humor, as evidenced by her social media presence under the username “Super Catalan Grandma.”
In 2020, Branyas gained attention after testing positive for COVID-19 at the age of 113. Fortunately, she did not experience severe symptoms and was able to recover from the virus. However, her advanced age made her particularly vulnerable during the global pandemic that claimed the lives of many older individuals. Branyas spent her later years residing in a nursing home in the Catalan town of Olot, where she received care and support from her family and caregivers.
Branyas’ family announced her passing on social media, stating that she had passed away peacefully in her sleep, as she had wished. In the days leading up to her death, Branyas expressed her acceptance of the inevitable end of her long journey, saying that she was ready to meet death with a smile and a sense of freedom. Despite her advanced age, Branyas maintained a sense of grace and gratitude for a life well-lived, imparting wisdom and inspiration to those who knew her.
Following Branyas’ death, the title of the oldest living person was passed to Tomiko Itooka of Japan, who is 116 years old. While Branyas held the distinction of being the oldest known person in the world at the time of her passing, she falls short of the record set by Jeanne Louise Calment, a Frenchwoman who lived to be 122 years and 164 days. Calment’s longevity remains unmatched in documented history, showcasing the extraordinary potential of the human lifespan and the resilience of individuals like Branyas who defy the odds and embrace each day with grace and resilience.
The passing of Maria Branyas Morera marks the end of an era for those who knew and admired her. Her remarkable life story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, humor, and gratitude in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges she faced, including a global pandemic and the passage of time, Branyas approached each day with a sense of purpose and joy, inspiring those around her to cherish the present moment and embrace life’s uncertainties with courage and grace. Her legacy will live on through the memories and stories shared by her family, friends, and admirers, serving as a reminder of the indomitable spirit that defines the human experience.
