Maria Branyas, recognized as the world’s oldest person, has passed away at the age of 117. She died peacefully in her sleep at a nursing home in Catalonia, Spain, on August 19, 2024.
Born in San Francisco in 1907, Maria moved to Spain with her family when she was a child. She lived through significant historical events, including two World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, and the 1918 flu pandemic. Her remarkable life was filled with resilience and strength, qualities that earned her recognition from the Guinness World Records as the oldest living person in January 2023.
Maria’s longevity was attributed to her positive outlook on life, good genetics, and a lifestyle that emphasized order, tranquility, and strong connections with family and friends. She often shared her wisdom, advising people to avoid toxic individuals and maintain emotional stability.
In her later years, Maria lived at the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home in Olot, northeastern Spain. Despite her advanced age, she remained active and engaged with the world around her. She even survived COVID-19 at the age of 113, becoming the oldest recorded survivor of the disease at that time.
Maria’s family announced her passing on social media, expressing their sorrow and celebrating her extraordinary life. “Maria Branyas has left us. She died as she wished: in her sleep, peacefully and without pain,” they wrote. Her family also shared her final message, in which she asked people not to cry for her and assured them that she would be happy wherever she went.
Catalonia’s president, Salvador Illa, paid tribute to Maria, calling her “the grandmother of Catalonia” and highlighting the wisdom and value she brought to the community. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy of resilience and positivity will continue to inspire many.
Maria Branyas’s life story is a testament to the human spirit’s endurance and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, no matter the challenges faced. As the world mourns her passing, it also celebrates the incredible journey of a woman who lived through some of the most significant events of the past century and emerged with grace and wisdom.
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