Brenes Estrada was born in Jinotepe, Carazo Department, Nicaragua, on 15 August 1910. She married Manuel López Mayorga, an industrial worker, and the couple went on to have six children (three sons and three daughters). She dedicated herself to her household chores but learned to make paper flowers, which she sold on custom orders.

In 2005, she traveled to Costa Rica and the United States. She underwent eye surgery when she turned 100. In August 2016, her 3 daughters were still alive: Maria, Rosario, and Ana. At that time, she also had 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. At the age of 106, she was able to read without glasses. She currently takes medication for hypertension. She currently lives with one of her daughters in Managua.