World's Oldest Person Maria Branyas Passes Away at 117

Maria Branyas, the world's oldest person at 117, has passed away in her sleep. Born in San Francisco in 1907, Branyas lived through significant historical events and avoided severe COVID-19 symptoms. Her family announced her peaceful passing on her X account. The next oldest person is Japan's Tomiko Itooka, aged 116.

Maria Branyas, an American-born Spaniard regarded as the world's oldest person at 117, has passed away, her family disclosed on Tuesday.

In a post on Branyas' X account, her family wrote in Catalan: 'Maria Branyas has left us. She has gone the way she wanted: in her sleep, at peace, and without pain.' The Gerontology Research Group, which verifies the ages of those reportedly aged 110 or above, listed Branyas as the oldest person globally following the death of French nun Lucile Randon last year.

The next oldest person recognized by the Gerontology Research Group is now Japan's Tomiko Itooka at 116 years old.

Born in San Francisco on March 4, 1907, Branyas moved back to Spain after spending some years in New Orleans, where her father launched a magazine. She recalled memories of crossing the Atlantic during World War I.

Her X account, 'Super Catalan Grandma,' described her as 'old, very old, but not an idiot.' At 113, Branyas tested positive for COVID-19 but escaped severe symptoms that claimed many older Spaniards. At the time of her death, she resided in a nursing home in Olot, Catalonia.

Her family described Branyas' sentiments days before her death: 'I don't know when, but very soon this long journey will end. Death will find me worn out from having lived so much, but I want to meet it with a smile, feeling free and satisfied.'