Current:Home > reviewsSpanish woman believed to be the oldest person in the world has died at age 117 -WealthMindset Learning
Spanish woman believed to be the oldest person in the world has died at age 117
View
Date:2025-04-15 06:20:39
MADRID (AP) — Maria Branyas, an American-born Spaniard considered the world’s oldest person at 117 years old, has died, her family said on Tuesday.
In a post on Branyas’ X account, her family wrote in Catalan: “Maria Branyas has left us. She has gone the way she wanted: in her sleep, at peace, and without pain.”
The Gerontology Research Group, which validates details of people thought to be 110 or older, listed Branyas as the oldest known person in the world after the death of French nun Lucile Randon last year.
The next oldest person listed by the Gerontology Research Group is now Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, who is 116 years old.
AP AUDIO: Spanish woman believed to be the oldest person in the world has died at age 117
AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports on the death of the world’s oldest person.
Branyas was born in San Francisco on March 4, 1907. After living for some years in New Orleans, where her father founded a magazine, her family returned to Spain when she was young. Branyas said that she had memories of crossing the Atlantic Ocean during World War I.
Her X account is called “Super Catalan Grandma” and bears the description: “I am old, very old, but not an idiot.”
At age 113, Branyas tested positive for COVID-19 during the global pandemic, but avoided developing severe symptoms that claimed tens of thousands of older Spaniards.
At the time of her death she was living in a nursing home in Catalan town of Olot.
Her family wrote that Branyas told them days before her death: “I don’t know when, but very soon this long journey will come to an end. Death will find me worn down from having lived so much, but I want to meet it with a smile, feeling free and satisfied.”
veryGood! (5)
Related
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Rep. Maxwell Frost on Gen-Z politics and the price tag of power
- Sofía Vergara Steps Out Without Her Wedding Ring Amid Joe Manganiello Divorce
- How hot does a car get in the sun? Here's why heat can be so deadly in a parked car.
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- 49ers QB Brock Purdy cleared to practice, but will be on 'pitch clock' during camp
- Judge to weigh Hunter Biden plea deal that enflamed critics
- Wendy's unveils new cold brew coffee drink based on its signature Frosty
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- 2022 was a good year for Nikki Grimes, who just published her 103rd book
Ranking
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- Former Hunter Biden associate to sit for closed-door testimony with House committee
- Arizona firefighter arrested on arson charges after fires at cemetery, gas station, old homes
- Thomas Haden Church talks 'rumors' of another Tobey Maguire 'Spider-Man,' cameo possibility
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- DeSantis uninjured in car accident in Tennessee, campaign says
- IRS says its agents will no longer make unannounced visits at taxpayers' doors
- More than 500 musicians demand accountability after Juilliard misconduct allegations
Recommendation
Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
Danyel Smith gives Black women in pop their flowers in 'Shine Bright'
Judge to weigh Hunter Biden plea deal that enflamed critics
Trader Joe's has issued recalls for 2 types of cookies that could contain rocks
The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
Influencer Jackie Miller James Transferred to Neuro Rehab Facility Amid Recovery Journey
Former Hunter Biden associate to sit for closed-door testimony with House committee
Investigators pore over evidence from the home of alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer as search ends