World’s Oldest Person Maria Branyas Morera Dies: Survived Spanish Flu & COVID-19

Maria Branyas Morera, recognized as the world’s oldest person, passed away on Monday, August 19, at the remarkable age of 117 in Spain. The Guinness World Records confirmed her death, expressing sorrow at the loss of a woman who had lived through some of history’s most significant events.

At the time of her passing, Maria was 117 years and 168 days old, making her not only the oldest living person but also the eighth-oldest verified person in history. Her incredible life spanned more than a century, during which she witnessed and survived two World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, the Spanish Flu, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, California, Maria’s early years were shaped by global upheaval. In 1915, her family returned to Spain, seeking safety during the tumultuous times of World War I. For the past two decades, Maria resided in a nursing home in Catalonia, Spain, where she lived until her final days.

Maria’s long life and resilience serve as a testament to the endurance of the human spirit, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.