Maria Branyas Morera, the World’s Oldest Person, Dies at 117

Maria Branyas Morera: The World’s Oldest Person Passes Away at 117

Maria Branyas Morera, an American-born Spanish woman, who was recognized as the oldest living person in the world, has sadly passed away at the age of 117. Her family confirmed her death on August 19 in Olot, Spain, where she resided at the Residencia Santa Maria del Tura nursing home. An employee at the facility shared the news, highlighting the profound loss felt by those who knew her.

In a poignant post shared on her social media account on X, her family expressed their sorrow, stating that Maria had departed peacefully in her sleep. They recalled her reflections in her final days, noting, “A few days ago she told us: ‘One day I will leave here. I will not try coffee again, nor eat yogurt. I will also leave my memories, my reflections and I will cease to exist in this body. One day, I don’t know when, but it’s very close; this long journey will be over.’”

Born in March 1907 in San Francisco, Maria’s early life was spent in various American cities, including New Orleans. There, her father, a journalist, launched a Spanish-language magazine that unfortunately went bankrupt, leading the family to face significant challenges. In search of better opportunities, they returned to Spain during her childhood.

Throughout her life, Maria witnessed and endured the tumultuous events of the 20th century, including the harsh realities of the Franco regime during the Spanish Civil War and the global turmoil of both World Wars. She recounted her vivid memories of the D-Day invasion at Normandy, sharing her experiences with the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia.

In an interview with El País earlier this year, she humbly remarked, “I haven’t done anything special to reach this age,” reflecting her remarkable life and the wisdom she accumulated over her long journey.