Maria Branyas, the world’s oldest person, passed away on Monday at the age of 117. Born in San Francisco on March 4, 1907, she had been living in the nursing home Santa Maria del Tura in Olot, Catalonia, for the last two decades. Last month, Branyas became the 8th longest-lived person in history according to the Gerontology Research Group (GRG), which supervises the Guinness Oldest People list. She became the oldest person in the world on January 17, 2023, following the passing of Frenchwoman Luciple Randon, who was 118 years old.
Branyas had a remarkable life that spanned over a century, with memories dating back to World War I and the Spanish Civil War. She was born to a Catalan family in San Francisco and moved back to Catalonia as a young child. In an interview with Catalan News in 2019, Branyas recalled their journey back to Catalonia during World War I, noting the challenges they faced due to the ongoing conflict. She also remembered the Spanish Civil War and the atrocities committed during that time. Despite the hardships she witnessed, Branyas remained resilient and saw the positive advancements that came out of those difficult periods.
In May 2020, Branyas made headlines for surviving Covid-19 at the age of 113, becoming the oldest known person to do so. Her resilience and strength were evident throughout her life, inspiring many around the world. San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors officially commended Branyas, declaring November 7, 2023, as ‘Maria Branyas Day’ in the city and local county. The resolution praised her for her integrity, love, humanity, and hope, highlighting her as a beacon of wisdom and inspiration for all.
Despite her advanced age, Branyas remained active and engaged, continuing to perform exercises and share her wisdom with those around her. She was known for her longevity, perseverance, good humor, quick wit, and deep wisdom earned from a life well-lived. Her remarkable journey was celebrated in a podcast that marked her 116th birthday, revisiting an interview with her from 2019. The podcast provided insights into Branyas’s extraordinary life and the lessons she had to offer to the world.
In conclusion, Maria Branyas’s passing marks the end of an era for the world’s oldest person. Her life was a testament to resilience, strength, and wisdom, inspiring all who knew her. As we reflect on her legacy, we are reminded of the importance of living with integrity, love, and hope, values that Branyas embodied throughout her long and remarkable life.
