Conjoined twins Lori and George Schappell, who defied medical expectations by pursuing separate careers, interests, and relationships, passed away in Pennsylvania at the age of 62. Born in 1961 in West Reading, Pennsylvania, they were joined at the skull but had distinct brains. George, who had spina bifida and was 4 inches shorter, was wheeled around by Lori on an adaptive wheeled stool. Despite their physical connection, both twins valued their independence and strived to live as independently as possible.
Both Lori and George graduated from a public high school and took college classes. George accompanied Lori for six years as she worked in a hospital laundry. Eventually, Lori gave up her job in 1996 to support George’s country music career. The twins maintained their own residence since the age of 24 and traveled extensively. They also appeared in documentaries, talk shows, and an episode of the FX medical drama “Nip/Tuck”. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Lori was once engaged but her fiance died in an automobile accident, showing the challenges in their personal lives.
Conjoined twins occur once in every 50,000 to 60,000 births when identical twins from a single embryo fail to separate. About 70% of conjoined twins are female, and most are stillborn. The Schappell twins were joined at the head, with separation deemed risky but not necessary in their case. In a 1997 documentary, George stated, “Why fix what is not broken?” indicating their acceptance of their unique situation. The oldest living conjoined twins before their passing were Ronnie and Donnie Galyon, who died in 2020 at age 68. Eng and Chang Bunker, known as the “Siamese Twins” from the 19th century, lived to be 63.
The twins had different bathing schedules and maintained their privacy, showering one at a time. George emphasized the importance of giving each other privacy and respect in their living arrangement. In a 1997 interview, Lori expressed her belief that one should not interfere with what God has created, even if it means enjoying the presence of both children for a shorter time. The twins’ survivors include their father and six siblings, with private services planned for their funeral. It is not clear who will now hold the title of the oldest living conjoined twins following the Schappell twins’ passing.
Despite their physical challenges, Lori and George Schappell led fulfilling lives, pursuing their individual interests and maintaining a strong bond of independence. Their story serves as an inspiration to many, showing that with determination and acceptance, one can overcome even the most extraordinary circumstances. The twins’ legacy lives on through their contributions to the entertainment industry and their resilience in the face of adversity. As they are laid to rest, their memory will continue to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and live life to the fullest, just as they did.
