On August 20, 2024, Maria Branyas Morera, recognized as the world’s oldest person, passed away in her sleep in Olot, Catalonia, Spain, at the remarkable age of 117. Born in San Francisco in 1907, Branyas experienced monumental historical events including two world wars, the Spanish flu, and Spain’s civil war. Her life spanned over a century of dramatic changes and advancements.
Branyas, who spent her final years in the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home, had moved back to Spain from the United States with her family during World War I, a journey marked by the death of her father. She later married a doctor and lived through many more global and personal events, always maintaining a robust health which her family attributed to strong genetics and a simple, hospital-free life.
Her longevity caught the attention of researchers and was celebrated globally. Her life not only mirrored a century of history but also showcased the human potential for resilience and endurance. Maria Branyas leaves behind a family that includes grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who remember her for her wisdom and kindness.
In her later years, despite facing challenges like COVID-19, which she survived in 2020, Branyas remained lucid and content, often sharing that the secret to her long life was nothing more than living itself. Her passing marks the end of an era and the legacy of a woman who witnessed a century of world history firsthand, providing a unique human perspective on the changes and constants of life.