World’s oldest person Branyas dies at 117 in Spain
Maria Branyas, celebrated as the world’s oldest person, has passed away at the remarkable age of 117.
Her demise, announced through her official account on the social media platform X and confirmed by a spokesperson from her nursing home, marks the end of an extraordinary life that spanned more than a century.
“Maria Branyas has left us. She has died as she wanted: in her sleep, peacefully and without pain,” read the statement from her X account, managed by her daughter. The nursing home spokesperson confirmed the news, adding a layer of solemnity to her passing without disclosing additional details.
Just a day before her death, Branyas had hinted at her weakening condition in a poignant message on X: “I feel weak. The time is coming. Don’t cry, I don’t like tears… You know me, wherever I go, I will be happy.” These words resonated deeply with her followers, reflecting her enduring spirit and acceptance of the inevitable.
Born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, California, Branyas moved with her family to Catalonia, Spain, at the age of seven. Her life was a witness to monumental events, including the Spanish Civil War and two global pandemics—the Spanish flu of 1918 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 1931, she married Dr. Joan Moret, a Catalan physician, and the couple had three children. Despite enduring the loss of her husband in 1976 and her son August in a tragic tractor accident, Branyas remained a pillar of resilience and positivity. Her longevity was a subject of scientific interest, which she graciously allowed researchers to study, attributing her long life to a combination of luck, good genetics, and a lifestyle marked by order, tranquillity, and positive relationships.
Branyas’ 117th birthday in March 2023 was a milestone, making her the 12th oldest verified person in history. Her life story, filled with personal and historical milestones, continues to inspire many. The record for the longest-lived person remains with Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to 122 years and 164 days.
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