- The longest-lived individual in Spain, widely known as the "super-grandmother," has passed away at the age of 117.
Maria Branyas, recognized as the oldest living person globally by the Guinness Book of Records, acknowledged her approaching end on Monday. "I'm feeble. My time's drawing close," she shared with her family. At 117 years old, Branyas, affectionately known as "Super Àvia" in Spain, peacefully passed away in her sleep, devoid of pain, her family reported via the X platform. Her demise occurred in a nursing home in Olot, a Catalan town located about 100 kilometers northeast of Barcelona.
Branyas' longevity was an astounding feat, having survived not only the two world wars, the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), the Spanish flu (1918-1920), but also the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to her departure, she had requested, "Don't mourn for me. I detest tears. And most importantly, don't pity me. Wherever I go, I'll be content." Her family emphasized her forthcoming remembrance and the heartsore absence of her wisdom and kindness.
Born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, USA, Branyas spent her childhood in Catalonia after her parents returned there when she was eight years old. She leaves behind a legacy of three children, eleven grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Her X account boasted nearly 19,000 followers, frequently in the spotlight of Spanish media. Branyas welcomed distinguished personalities, including the President of Catalonia, Pere Aragonès, in her Olot home on her birthday.
Aragonès described Branyas as a "woman brimming with energy, joy, and history," paying her a heartfelt tribute after her passing. His successor, Salvador Illa, also recognized Branyas as a "loving woman who taught us the worth of life and the wisdom of the years."
Branyas contributed to scientific research on longevity by collaborating with researchers from the University of Barcelona. This collaboration marked her "final act of service to society." On X, she sported the caption: "I'm old, and very old, but certainly not senile."
According to Guinness World Records, Branyas had held the title of the world's oldest living person since January 2023, following the demise of the French nun Lucile Randon at 118 years old. It is anticipated that the title will soon be awarded to the Japanese woman Tomiko Itooka, who will turn 116 years old on May 23, 2023.
Despite their longevity, neither Branyas nor Itooka surpass the record set by Jeanne Calment, a Frenchwoman who reportedly lived from 1875 to 1997, totaling 122 years and 164 days. For males, the title for the longest lifespan belongs to the Japanese man Jiroemon Kimura, who departed at 116 years and 54 days old.
Despite her age and the challenges she faced, including the recent Coronavirus pandemic, Maria Branyas managed to survive and maintain her active lifestyle. Her X account, filled with over 18,000 followers, often highlighted her resilience and wit, even carrying the caption, "I'm old, and very old, but certainly not senile."
