World’s Oldest Person Maria Branyas Passes Away In Spain: Who Was She?

The world's oldest living person Maria Branyas passed away at the age of 117 on Tuesday in Spain. The news of her death was formally announced on her social media account.

In January 2023, the Guinness World Records had declared her the world's oldest living person.

"Maria Branyas has left us. She has died as she wanted: in her sleep, peacefully and without pain," the message posted on her social media post read. It has to be noted that her daughter manages the account. Her bio on X reads "I am old, very old, but I'm not an idiot."

Maria Branyas had sensed her end was near earlier this week, sharing on social media, "I feel weak. The time is coming. Don't cry, I don't like tears....You know me, wherever I go, I will be happy."

Branyas had credited her longevity to "order, tranquillity, good connections with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity, and staying away from toxic people."

At the age of 117, Branyas was recognized by Guinness World Records as the 12th-oldest verified person in history, with Jeanne Calment holding the record at 122 years and 164 days.

In her final days, her account quoted her as saying, "One day I don't know, but it's very close, this long journey will be over. Death will find me worn out from having lived so long, but I want it to find me smiling, free, and satisfied."

She had seen two world wars and was a witness to many historical events of the world.