exotic berries, and restrictive diets, Maria’s “secret” to a long life was something most of us can find in our refrigerator. And for her, it wasn’t just a snack—it was a daily ritual, a comfort, and even a symbol of resilience.

A Life Measured in Centuries
Born in San Francisco in 1907 to Spanish parents, Maria eventually returned to Spain where she would live out most of her life. And what a life it was.
She lived through two World Wars. She witnessed the Spanish Civil War. She survived the