World's Oldest Person, Maria Branyas, Dies at 117

Maria Branyas, recognized as the world's oldest person at 117 years old, passed away peacefully in her sleep. Known for her resilience and wisdom, Branyas lived through significant historical events. She tested positive for COVID-19 at 113 but survived without severe symptoms. She had lived in a nursing home in Olot, Spain.

Maria Branyas, the American-born Spaniard recognized as the world's oldest person, has died at the age of 117, her family confirmed on Tuesday.

In a Catalan-language post on her X account, the family announced: “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 tracks individuals aged 110 and above, acknowledged Branyas as the oldest person in the world following the death of French nun Lucile Randon last year.

Branyas was born in San Francisco on March 4, 1907, and spent some years in New Orleans before relocating to Spain. With memories of crossing the Atlantic during World War I, Branyas exemplified resilience. Her X account, “Super Catalan Grandma”, reflected her spirited nature. At 113, she contracted COVID-19 but had a mild case. She resided in a nursing home in Olot, Catalonia, at the time of her passing.

In her final days, Branyas expressed acceptance of her impending death, stating: “I don’t know when, but very soon this long journey will come to an end. Death will find me worn down from having lived so much, but I want to meet it with a smile, feeling free and satisfied.”