Lori and George Schappell, the oldest conjoined twins in the world, passed away at the age of 62 from undisclosed causes. They were born in Pennsylvania in 1961, with partially fused skulls and shared vital blood vessels. They held the Guinness World Record for the oldest conjoined twins and were also the world’s first conjoined twins to identify as different genders, with George transitioning to a man in 2007. Their rare condition was the rarest form of conjoined twinning, representing only 2-6% of cases.
Despite spending every moment together, Lori and George had very different interests and careers. They lived as independently as possible, maintaining their own residence since the age of 24 and traveling extensively. Lori could walk, while George, who was shorter and had spina bifida, used a wheelchair that Lori pushed. They had separate rooms in their apartment, different hobbies, and later pursued careers in country music and bowling. George even worked as a country music singer while Lori was an award-winning bowler.
Lori and George appeared in documentaries and made a guest appearance on the medical drama “Nip/Tuck.” Surgery to separate them at birth was not available, and they were not expected to live past the age of 30. They spent the first 24 years of their lives in a mental institution after their parents placed them there. Despite their attachment, they never expressed a desire to be apart from one another, believing it would be against God’s will to be separated. They were survived by their father, siblings, nieces, nephews, and an extended family of friends.
The siblings each had their own set of interests, with George being a country music singer and Lori excelling at bowling. Each led independent lives to the best of their ability, maintaining separate residences and pursuing different hobbies. George was wheelchair-bound due to spina bifida, while Lori was able to walk but chose to be close to her sister, pushing her around in her wheelchair. The couple made a name for themselves by celebrating their uniqueness and living life on their terms, despite the many challenges they faced.
Lori and George’s unique bond as conjoined twins allowed them to live a fulfilling life together, embracing their differences and navigating the challenges of their condition. They maintained separate living arrangements but spent their free time together, often engaging in activities that brought them joy. Despite their physical connection, they were able to maintain a sense of independence and individuality, pursuing careers and traveling the world. Their remarkable story inspired many and highlighted the importance of acceptance, resilience, and unconditional love in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
The passing of Lori and George Schappell marked the end of an era for the world’s oldest conjoined twins, leaving behind a legacy of courage, determination, and unwavering love. Despite the challenges they faced, they remained true to themselves and each other, defying the odds and embracing their unique bond with a grace and dignity that inspired all who knew them. As they are laid to rest, their memory will live on in the hearts of those who were touched by their extraordinary journey, celebrating the remarkable lives of two individuals who taught us all the true meaning of love, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.
