Maria Branyas Morera, an American-born Spanish woman believed to be the oldest person in the world, has sadly passed away at the age of 117, according to her family. Ms. Morera, known affectionately as "Super Catalan Grandma" on social media, died peacefully in her sleep on August 19 in Olot, Spain.

Ms. Morera's family shared the news of her passing on her X account, where they expressed that she had accepted her impending departure. In a recent conversation, Ms. Morera had remarked, "'One day I will leave here...this long journey will be over.'"

Born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, Ms. Morera experienced a tumultuous early life. Her family relocated to Spain when she was a child due to financial difficulties. Tragically, her father passed away from tuberculosis during the journey. She went on to endure the Spanish Civil War and the oppressive Franco regime, all the while witnessing important historical events like the D-Day invasion.

In an interview with the Spanish newspaper El País, Ms. Morera humbly stated, "I haven't done anything special to get to this age." However, researchers, including Manel Esteller from the University of Barcelona, credited her long life to a combination of genetics, a healthy lifestyle devoid of smoking, moderate exercise, and her resilience as a survivor of war and hardships.

Ms. Morera married a doctor and spent four decades living in Girona, Spain. Together, they raised three children, and she dedicated herself to being a loving and caring homemaker. In her later years, she found joy in her numerous grandchildren.

Notably, Ms. Morera survived a battle with COVID-19, showcasing her strength during the challenging times brought on by the global pandemic. She approached the predicament with wisdom gained from living in a world without the modern comforts we often take for granted.

Claiming the title of the oldest living person in January 2023, after the passing of French nun Sister André, Ms. Morera captivated the world's attention. On social media, she embraced the digital revolution and shared snippets of life advice, observations, and humor with thousands of followers under the moniker "Super Catalan Grandma."

Her remarkable longevity also drew the interest of scientists. Dr. Esteller's research revealed that Ms. Morera possessed protective genes against DNA damage, low levels of fat and sugar in her blood, and slower aging cells, resulting in a lower "biological age" than her actual age. The Catalan diet, similar to the Mediterranean diet, in which she enjoyed foods like yogurt and incorporated olive oil, was also seen as a contributing factor to her prolonged survival.

Ms. Morera's passing is mourned by her two surviving daughters, aged 91 and 82, as well as her many grandchildren. Her legacy as an endearing woman who embodied the value of life and the wisdom of the years will not be forgotten.

Salvador Illa, the president of the Catalan regional government, expressed his condolences, acknowledging the loss of a remarkable individual. Ms. Morera's remarkable journey has come to an end, but her inspiring story will continue to resonate with those who knew her and those who followed her remarkable life.