Maria Branyas Morera, recognized as the world’s oldest person, has passed away at the age of 117. Her death on August 19, 2024, was confirmed by her family and reported by the staff at her nursing home, Residencia Santa Maria del Tura, in Olot, Spain.
Maria Branyas Morera was born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, California. Her early years were marked by frequent relocations as her family moved to various American cities. Her father, a journalist, launched a Spanish-language magazine in New Orleans that eventually went bankrupt, leading the family to return to Spain when Maria was a child.
In Spain, Morera lived through significant historical events, including the Spanish Civil War and the oppressive Franco regime. Her extensive life experiences also included clear memories of the D-Day invasion during World War II. Despite these turbulent times, she lived a long life marked by resilience and a strong sense of personal history.
“I haven’t done anything special to get to this age,” Maria Branyas Morera told the Spanish newspaper El País earlier this year, reflecting on her longevity with a touch of humility.
Maria Branyas Morera married a doctor, and together they raised three children in Girona, Spain. She spent 40 years in Girona, where she devoted herself to raising her children and managing the household. Her daughter, Rose, shared with El País that Maria’s life was “quiet and free from work stress,” contributing to her longevity.
In her later years, Maria Branyas enjoyed the company of more than a dozen grandchildren. Despite facing health challenges such as hearing and vision loss, and difficulties with mobility, she remained relatively free from serious illnesses like cancer or heart disease. She survived a bout with COVID-19 and adapted to the isolation and anxiety of the pandemic by reflecting on a time before modern conveniences, which she found easier to cope with.
Maria Branyas Morera embraced the digital age, gaining fame as “Super Àvia Catalana,” or “Super Catalan Grandma,” on social media. She used her platform to share life advice, reflections, and humor with thousands of followers. Her social media biography famously stated: “I’m old, very old, but not an idiot.”
Despite the media attention that came with her status as the world’s oldest living person, Maria Branyas Morera faced the challenge with grace. Her family eventually restricted media access due to the overwhelming interest and the intrusion into her private life.
Salvador Illa, the president of the Catalan regional government, paid tribute to Maria Branyas Morera, saying on social media, “We lost an endearing woman, who has taught us the value of life and the wisdom of the years.”
Maria Branyas Morera became the oldest living person in January 2023, following the death of Lucile Randon, a French nun. According to the Gerontology Research Group, which tracks the world’s supercentenarians, the next oldest living person is Tomiko Itooka of Japan, who is currently 116 years old.
In her later years, Maria Branyas Morera was asked by a doctor about her expectations for life. Her straightforward response was, “Death.” This simple answer encapsulates her view of life and its inevitable end with a blend of acceptance and clarity.
