World's Oldest Person Dies Aged 117

The world's oldest person, Maria Branyas Morera, has died aged 117 in Spain. Born in California on March 4, 1907, Branyas Morera survived both the 1918 flu pandemic and the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Maria Branyas(Morera) has left us... We will always remember her for her advice and kindness."

-- Morera's family in a social media post.

Branyas Morera was known as a supercentenarian, a person who lives to 110 years or more. She was the oldest verified living person according to the Gerontology Research Group. She is survived by Tomiko Itooka, a 116-year-old Japanese woman, now believed to be the oldest living person.

Quotes

"Guinness World Records is saddened to learn that the world’s oldest person, Maria Branyas Morera... passed away yesterday."
-- Guinness World Records

"One day I will leave here... Death will find me worn out from having lived so long, but I want it to find me smiling, free and satisfied.”
-- Branyas Morera to her family days before her death.

Context

• The oldest person ever, Jeanne Calment, lived to 122, dying in 1997. She was the only verified person to reach 120.

• The previous oldest person, Lucile Randon, died in 2023 aged 118.

• Branyas Morera was one of seven known female supercentenarians, no men are on the list.