Conjoined twins Lori and George Schappell, who were born in 1961, passed away at the age of 62 on April 7 at the University of Pennsylvania. The cause of death was not disclosed. The Schappell twins were craniopagus twins, meaning they had separate bodies but shared bones, vital blood vessels, and 30 percent of their brain, including the frontal lobe and the parietal lobe. They previously held the title of the oldest living conjoined twins and the oldest identical female conjoined twins until George came out as transgender in 2007.
The twins grew up in West Reading, Pennsylvania, and graduated from the Hiram G. Andrew’s Center. They were employed at the Reading Hospital and appeared in documentaries, talk shows, and the FX drama Nip/Tuck. Despite being conjoined, Lori and George maintained independent lives, separate residences, and pursued their individual hobbies. Lori was known for her trophy-winning bowling skills, while George had a successful career as a country singer.
Throughout their lives, the Schappell twins expressed a desire to remain conjoined and rejected any possibility of being separated. They believed in the saying, “Why fix what is not broken?” Despite facing unique challenges, they traveled the world together and were able to lead fulfilling lives. Guinness World Records mentioned that they always stated their refusal to be separated. George once emphasized this point during a documentary in 1997.
The legacy of the Schappell twins lives on through their father, Franklin G. Schappell, six siblings, and nieces and nephews. They left a lasting impact not only through their unique circumstances as conjoined twins but also through their individual achievements and contributions to various fields such as sports and music. The twins’ story serves as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and determination that they demonstrated throughout their lives, inspiring many people around the world.
The passing of the Schappell twins marks the end of an era for those who knew and followed their story. Their joint obituaries were published in Leibensperger Funeral Homes in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, where their lives were celebrated and remembered. Despite their physical connection, Lori and George led fulfilling lives, forging their own paths and leaving a lasting impression on those they encountered. While they may no longer be with us, the memory of the Schappell twins will continue to live on, inspiring others to embrace uniqueness, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit.
With their passing, the world mourns the loss of two extraordinary individuals who overcame challenges and lived life to the fullest. Lori and George Schappell’s legacy will forever be remembered as a testament to their strength, resilience, and unwavering bond as conjoined twins. Their story serves as a reminder of the power of determination, individuality, and acceptance, leaving behind a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of knowing them. May their memory continue to inspire others to embrace uniqueness, cherish relationships, and live life to the fullest.
