World’s Oldest Person, Maria Branyas Morera, Dies at 117

Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest person, has passed away at 117. She lived through major world events and leaves behind a legacy of wisdom and kindness.

Maria Branyas Morera, known as the world’s oldest person, has died at 117. Born on March 4, 1907, in California, Maria lived through two world wars, the Spanish Civil War, the 1918 flu pandemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic. She was Spain’s oldest person and held the title of the world’s oldest living person, according to Guinness World Records.

Maria passed away peacefully in her sleep, as her family shared on social media. They said she left this world quietly, just as she wanted, with no pain. They remembered her for the wisdom and kindness she shared throughout her long life.

For the last 20 years, Maria lived in the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home in Olot, Catalonia, Spain. Just before she passed, she posted on social media, saying she felt weak and that her time was near. She asked her loved ones not to cry or feel sad, promising she would be happy wherever she went.

In January 2023, Guinness World Records recognized Maria as the world’s oldest living person after the death of French nun Lucile Randon at 118. With Maria’s passing, Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, born in 1908, now becomes the oldest living person at 116, according to the U.S. Gerontology Research Group.

Maria’s life was full of experiences, including surviving COVID-19 at 113 and celebrating her 116th birthday with family and friends. She married Joan Moret in 1931 and had three children, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Despite the many challenges she faced, including losing her father during her family's return to Spain, Maria always kept a positive outlook on life, advising others never to let bitterness take hold, no matter what happens.