Maria Branyas Morera, recognized as the world’s oldest person, passed away at the age of 117, leaving behind a legacy marked by resilience, family, and an extraordinary view of history. The centenarian, who was born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, California, and later lived in Spain, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones in the nursing home in Catalonia where she spent the final decades of her life.
A Remarkable Journey Across Time
Maria Branyas Morera’s life was one of remarkable breadth, spanning three centuries and witnessing some of the most transformative events in modern history. Born to Spanish parents who had emigrated to the United States, she spent her early childhood in San Francisco during a time when the world was on the cusp of technological and social change. At the age of eight, Maria’s family decided to return to Spain, settling in Catalonia, where she lived through the turbulent events of the 20th century, including the Spanish Civil War, World War II, and the Franco dictatorship.
Maria’s longevity earned her widespread recognition, particularly after she was declared the world’s oldest living person by the Guinness World Records in 2023, following the death of Sister André, a French nun who had previously held the title. Despite her advanced age, Maria remained sharp-witted and maintained a positive outlook on life, often sharing her thoughts and memories through social media managed by her family. Her Twitter account, where she offered reflections on aging and life, gained significant popularity.
A Life Centered on Family and Faith
Maria was married to her husband, Joan Moret, for over four decades until his passing. The couple had three children, eleven grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren, making family a central part of Maria’s long life. Known for her kindness and wisdom, Maria was often described by her loved ones as a woman of strong principles, guided by her deep Catholic faith and a simple philosophy of appreciating the small joys of everyday life.
In interviews over the years, Maria credited her longevity to several key factors: a healthy diet, avoiding excess, staying connected with family, and cultivating inner peace. She often emphasized the importance of not dwelling on negative thoughts and accepting the inevitable challenges that life presents.
Enduring History and Change
Living through 117 years of history, Maria witnessed the dawn of the automobile, the rise of the airplane, the arrival of the internet, and multiple revolutions in medicine and technology. Her life mirrored the dramatic shifts in the world around her, from a time when women’s roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere to an era where women’s rights, careers, and freedoms were greatly expanded.
During her later years, Maria offered unique insights into the profound changes she had witnessed. She often spoke about the rapid pace of technological advancement and societal transformation, expressing amazement at how the world had evolved. Despite this, she also expressed concerns about the loss of traditional values and the increasing alienation of modern life.
A Symbol of Resilience
Maria Branyas Morera’s longevity and survival through so many historical upheavals made her a symbol of resilience. She overcame personal hardships, including the loss of loved ones, wars, and the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, which claimed millions of lives worldwide. Most recently, she survived a bout with COVID-19 in 2020 at the age of 113, demonstrating an incredible will to live.
In recognition of her contributions to the community and her role as a witness to history, Maria received numerous honors from local and national organizations in Spain. She was celebrated not just for her age, but for the wisdom she imparted to others, reminding people of the value of patience, humility, and hope in the face of adversity.
Remembering a Centenarian
As news of Maria Branyas Morera’s passing spread, tributes poured in from around the world. The nursing home where she resided released a statement mourning her loss and highlighting the inspiration she provided to those who knew her. Her family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support and shared that Maria remained lucid and content until the end, surrounded by the love of those closest to her.
Her death marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in history, yet her legacy will live on in the memories of her family and the many people who were touched by her story. Maria Branyas Morera’s life serves as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for endurance, adaptation, and the pursuit of a life well-lived, even in the face of monumental challenges.
As the world bids farewell to the oldest living person, Maria’s story will be remembered as one of perseverance, grace, and a profound connection to the past, present, and future.
