Lori and George Schappell have left this world at the age of 62.
Until their passing, they held the distinction of being recognized as the world’s oldest conjoined twins.
The siblings, renowned for their exceptional bond and extraordinary medical condition, passed away on Sunday at a hospital in Pennsylvania, as indicated by their online obituaries.
The specific details surrounding their passing remain undisclosed.
Born with partially-fused skulls and sharing 30 percent of their brains, Lori and George defied medical expectations from an early age. Despite doctors’ predictions that they wouldn’t surpass the age of 30, the twins continued to defy the odds, captivating the attention and admiration of people worldwide with their resilience and profound closeness.
Born on September 18, 1961, Lori once shared with The Sun: “When we were born, the doctors didn’t think we’d make 30, but we proved them wrong.”
Despite being physically connected throughout their entire lives, the twins possessed distinctly different personalities and interests.
Lori excelled as a 10-pin bowler, while George was known for his enthusiasm as a country and western singer.
George also identified as transgender, courageously revealing his true identity in an interview with The Sun several years ago.
Despite being designated female at birth, George always harbored a profound understanding that his true identity was male. “Since I was very young, I’ve felt an inherent sense of being a boy,” George confessed. “I found joy in playing with trains and detested anything traditionally girlish. For many years, I concealed my longing to transition, even from Lori.”
Reflecting on the challenge of disclosing his truth to his sister, George added, “It was incredibly tough, but as I grew older, I realized I couldn’t continue living a falsehood. I knew I had to embrace who I truly am and live my life authentically.”
Lori responded to her brother’s revelation with unwavering support: “Of course, it was surprising when Dori became George, but I’m incredibly proud of him. It was a monumental decision, but we’ve faced many challenges together, and as a team, we’re unbreakable.”
Adding another layer to their intricate lives, Lori revealed that she was once engaged but tragically lost her fiancé in a drunk driving accident.
When it came to dating, Lori also shared how George respected her need for privacy. “When I went on dates, George would bring along books to read, and since we didn’t face each other, he could easily ignore any kissing,” she disclosed.
Lori stood at a height of five feet one inch and enjoyed full mobility, while George, at four feet four inches tall, lived with spina bifida.
The twins participated in an Our Life documentary in 1997, which highlighted their daily routines. During the interview, Lori expressed her longing to start a family, stating, “I would love to have my own family – a husband and children.”
Unfortunately, she was never able to fulfill her dream.
