World’s Oldest Person, Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera, Passes Away at 117

World’s Oldest Person, Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera, Passes Away at 117

The world’s oldest living person, Maria Branyas Morera, has passed away at the age of 117, her family announced on Tuesday. Morera, who had been living in the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home in Olot, northeastern Spain, died peacefully in her sleep, as she had wished.

Maria Branyas Morera, born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, USA, to Spanish parents, had an extraordinary life spanning three centuries. She witnessed some of the most significant events in modern history, including two world wars, the Spanish Civil War, and the 1918 flu pandemic. Despite these challenges, she lived a remarkably healthy life, attributed to her strong genetics, as her youngest daughter, Rosa Moret, once noted.

Morera had moved to Spain with her family in 1915, where they settled in Barcelona after a tragic voyage across the Atlantic that claimed her father's life. She went on to marry a doctor in 1931, with whom she had three children, 11 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. Her husband passed away after 40 years of marriage.

Renowned for her sharp mind and clear memory, Morera was described as "completely lucid" by Professor Manel Esteller from the University of Barcelona. In 2023, Esteller and his team studied her DNA to uncover the secrets behind her remarkable longevity. Despite her advanced age, Morera had no cardiovascular diseases and retained a clear memory of events from her early childhood.

In 2020, she survived COVID-19 at the age of 113, further cementing her status as a symbol of resilience and strength. Her family, who managed her social media presence, often shared her wisdom and reflections on life, garnering a significant following.

Following her death, Japan's Tomiko Itooka, born on May 23, 1908, at 116 years old, now holds the title of the world's oldest living person, according to the U.S. Gerontology Research Group.

Morera’s passing marks the end of an era. She was officially recognized as the world's oldest person by Guinness World Records in January 2023, after the death of French nun Lucile Randon at 118. Her long and storied life leaves behind a legacy of resilience, family, and wisdom that will be remembered for generations.

The oldest verified person to have ever lived remains Frenchwoman Jeanne Louise Calment, who passed away in 1997 at the age of 122 years and 164 days. As the world reflects on the life of Maria Branyas Morera, her extraordinary journey through history serves as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the enduring human spirit.