Guinness World Records mourns the loss of Lori and George Schappell, the world’s oldest living conjoined twins and the oldest female conjoined twins on record. Lori and George, aged 62, peacefully passed away on Sunday, April 7, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. The exact cause of their passing remains undisclosed, as indicated in their obituaries published by Leibensperger Funeral Homes.
Born on September 18, 1961, in Pennsylvania, USA, Lori and George, formerly known as Dori, shared a unique bond as partially fused twins, with intertwined skulls and vital blood vessels. Remarkably, they shared 30% of their brains, specifically the frontal and parietal lobes, yet exhibited distinct individualities and pursuits.
While Lori possessed an able-bodied constitution, George battled spina bifida, rendering him unable to walk. Despite this disparity, their lives were rich with diverse experiences. George flourished as a country singer, while Lori excelled as a trophy-winning ten-pin bowler. Their careers took them around the globe, performing in countries like Germany and Japan, all the while navigating the intricacies of their shared existence.
In a historic moment of self-identification, George embraced his transgender identity in 2007, becoming the first same-sex conjoined twins to identify as different genders. His transition marked a significant chapter in their lives, where George shed the name “Reba,” previously chosen due to his admiration for Reba McEntire, and began presenting as a man.
Living independently in a two-bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania, Lori and George cherished their autonomy. They meticulously structured their daily routines to accommodate each other’s needs and pursuits, alternating nights spent in separate rooms and indulging in individual hobbies.
Despite medical prognoses suggesting otherwise, Lori and George defied the odds, surpassing expectations and becoming the oldest female conjoined twins ever recorded in 2015. Their resilience, unwavering bond, and zest for life serve as a testament to the human spirit’s remarkable capacity to triumph over adversity.
Lori and George leave behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and unbreakable kinship. They are survived by their father, six siblings, numerous nieces, nephews, and a vast network of friends who cherished their indomitable spirit and unwavering optimism.
