Maria Branyas, the world’s oldest person and a native of San Francisco, California, passed away peacefully at the age of 117, as announced by her family on Tuesday. Branyas, who spent her final years in Catalonia, Spain, was celebrated for her extraordinary longevity and the remarkable life she lived, spanning over a century of historical milestones.
Born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, Branyas lived through some of the most significant events of the 20th and 21st centuries. Her family moved back to Spain during her childhood, where she continued to live, witnessing profound changes in society and technology throughout her life.
Maria Branyas held the title of the world’s oldest person after the passing of French nun Lucile Randon last year. Her life was a testament to resilience, longevity, and the countless stories she carried with her from the early 20th century in the United States to contemporary Spain.
On social media, many have expressed their thoughts on Branyas’ passing. Teejay Raji commented, “Because she was from US, she was the oldest person, anything from the US is the best when in the real sense there are so many people older than her still living in Africa.” Another user, Nnena Wilson, simply stated, “Rest in peace.” Others reflected on the broader context of aging, with Shane Schneider noting, “In other news, we have a new oldest person in the world.”
Maria Branyas’ family shared that she died the way she wished—peacefully in her sleep, without pain. Her death marks the end of an era, as the world mourns the loss of one of its most remarkable individuals. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who marvel at the extraordinary lives of centenarians and the history they carry with them.