Maria Branyas, who held the title of the world’s oldest living person, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 117 in a Spanish nursing home. Born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, California, Branyas lived through two world wars, the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, the Spanish Civil War, and the COVID-19 pandemic, witnessing countless moments of historical significance during her long life.
Branyas and her family moved to Catalonia, Spain, when she was seven years old, where she spent the rest of her life. Her remarkable longevity and the experiences she lived through made her a symbol of resilience and wisdom. In January 2023, the Guinness World Records recognized her as the oldest living person, placing her among the ranks of the 12 oldest verified people in recorded history. The record for the oldest person ever remains with Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to be 122 years and 164 days old.
On Tuesday, Branyas’ passing was announced by both a spokesperson for the nursing home and her official social media account, which was managed by her daughter. “Maria Branyas has left us,” the announcement read. “She has died as she wanted: in her sleep, peacefully and without pain.” Her social media presence, particularly on X (formerly known as Twitter), offered glimpses into her thoughts on aging and life. Her bio on the platform read, “I am old, very old, but I’m not an idiot,” a statement that reflected her sharp wit and sense of humor.
Just days before her passing, Branyas had hinted at the nearing end of her life. In a poignant social media post, she expressed, “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.” Her words conveyed a sense of acceptance and peace with the inevitable, showing her unwavering strength and positivity until the very end.
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Branyas attributed her long life to several key factors: order, tranquillity, strong connections with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, and a conscious effort to avoid worry, regret, and toxic people. These guiding principles, she believed, allowed her to live a life filled with positivity and contentment.
In her final days, Branyas continued to reflect on the passage of time and the conclusion of her journey. “One day, I don’t know when, but it’s very close, this long journey will be over,” she shared. “Death will find me worn out from having lived so long, but I want it to find me smiling, free and satisfied.”
Maria Branyas’ life was a testament to the human spirit’s endurance and the wisdom that comes with age. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, positivity, and a life well-lived. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her story will continue to inspire those who hear it.