Born joined at the head and sharing brain tissue, Lori and George Schappell were given almost no chance of surviving past childhood. They defied every expectation and lived together for 62 years, making them the oldest conjoined twins in recorded history. Their lives ended together on April 7th, 2024, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvaniain Philadelphia. They were laid to rest at Sign United Church of Christ Cemetery in Perry Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania.
The twins were born September 18th, 1961, in West Reading, Pennsylvania. They were connected at the forehead, sharing vital blood vessels and roughly 30percent of their brain tissue, yet had separate personalities and distinct minds. Doctors described their prognosis as grim, believing long-term survival van unlikely. From the beginning, however, they showed remarkable resilience.
They were two of eight siblings and grew up determined to live as normally as possible. Both graduated from high school and took college classes. Lori worked for years in a hospital laundry, while George, formerly known as Dori, pursued country music, performing under the stage name Reba in honor of Reba McEntire. Despite being physically connected, they fiercely protected their individuality.
They lived together in a two-bedroom apartment, respecting each other’s privacy and personal space. Lori pushed George, who had spina bifida and used a wheeled stool, wherever he needed to go. In 2007, George came out publicly as transgendered. Lori fully supported his transition, making them the first known conjoined twins to identify as different genders.
George continued his music career, while Lori excelled as a competitive 10-pin bowler, winning multiple trophies. They appeared in documentaries, talk shows, and even an episode of Nip/Tuck. They dated, had friends, and lived life on their own terms, always insisting there never wanted to be surgically separated. The exact cause of death was never publicly disclosed, and their services were private.
They had far outlived every medical expectation, leaving behind a legacy of courage and the right to live authentically.
