Maria Theresa, the revered ruler of the Habsburg monarchy and the only woman to hold the position in her own right, passed away on 29 November 1780, at the age of 63. Born on 13 May 1717, her reign spanned four decades, during which she steered the empire through significant reforms, internal consolidations, and major European conflicts, leaving behind a modernized state with an enhanced international presence. She died in Vienna, surrounded by her children.