Maria Branyas Morera, the world's oldest living person, passed away peacefully at the age of 117, her family announced on Tuesday. Born in the United States and later residing in Spain, Branyas lived through two world wars and witnessed over a century of global change.
Her family shared the news on social media platform X, stating, "Maria Branyas has left us. She died as she wished: in her sleep, peacefully and without pain. We will always remember her for her advice and her kindness."
Branyas spent the last two decades of her life in the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home in Olot, a town in northeastern Spain. Earlier on Tuesday, she had shared a poignant message through her family-run account, indicating that she felt "weak" and sensed that "the time is near." She urged her loved ones not to cry, saying, "Don’t cry, I don’t like tears. And above all, don’t suffer for me. Wherever I go, I will be happy."
In January 2023, Branyas was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest person, following the death of French nun Lucile Randon at 118.
With Branyas's passing, Japan's Tomiko Itooka, born on May 23, 1908, now holds the title of the world's oldest living person at 116 years old, according to the US Gerontology Research Group.
Branyas's long life was marked by resilience and wisdom, and she will be remembered for her remarkable journey through history.
