Maria Branyas Morera, recognized as the world’s oldest living person, passed away at the age of 117. Born in the United States and having lived through two world wars, Maria spent her final years in a nursing home in Olot, northeastern Spain.
Maria’s family shared the news of her passing on social media, saying, “Maria Branyas has left us. She passed away as she wished: peacefully, in her sleep, and without pain.” They also remembered her fondly for her wisdom and kindness.
In a final message posted on her behalf, Maria expressed that she felt “weak” and sensed her time was near. “Don’t cry, I don’t like tears. And above all, don’t suffer for me. Wherever I go, I will be happy,” she wrote.
Maria was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest person in January 2023, following the passing of French nun Lucile Randon at 118. With Maria’s passing, Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, born in 1908, now holds the title as the oldest living person at 116 years old, according to the US Gerontology Research Group.
