Maria Branyas, the American-born Spaniard believed to be the world’s oldest person at the incredible age of 117, has passed away, her family confirmed on Tuesday. In a heartfelt message shared on Ms Branyas’s X account, her family expressed that she had passed away peacefully in her sleep, as she had wished, without any pain.
The Gerontology Research Group, responsible for verifying individuals aged 110 or older, officially recognised Ms Branyas as the oldest living person following the passing of French nun Lucile Randon last year. At present, the next oldest person on their list is Tomiko Itooka from Japan, who is 116 years old.
Ms Branyas was born in San Francisco on March 4, 1907, and spent her early years in New Orleans before returning to Spain with her family. She recounted memories of crossing the Atlantic Ocean during World War I, showcasing her incredible longevity.
Known as the “Super Catalan Grandma” on her X account, Ms Branyas displayed her wit with the description, “I am old, very old, but not an idiot.” Even when faced with the Covid-19 pandemic at 113 years old, she managed to overcome the virus without experiencing severe symptoms, unlike many others in her age group.
Living in a nursing home in Olot, a town in Catalonia, at the time of her passing, Ms Branyas had shared with her family days before that she felt her long journey was nearing its end. She expressed a desire to meet death with a smile, feeling free and content after a life filled with experiences.
Maria Branyas’s remarkable longevity and positive outlook in life serve as an inspiration to many, leaving a legacy of resilience and strength. Her passing marks the end of an extraordinary life, lived to the fullest for an incredible 117 years.