Conjoined twins Lori and George Schappell, who pursued separate careers, interests and relationships during lives that defied medical expectations, died this month in Pennsylvania, according to funeral home officials. They were 62 years old.
The twins, who were listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest conjoined twins, died April 7 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, according to obituaries published by Leibensperger Funeral Homes in Hamburg. The cause of death was not specified.
The conjoined twins, born on September 18, 1961 in West Reading, Pennsylvania, had different brains but were joined at the skull. George, who had spina bifida and was 10 centimeters (4 inches) shorter, was pushed by Lori on an adapted wheeled bench. Even though they had to go everywhere together, it was “very important” for both of them to “live as independently as possible,” according to the obituary.
They bowled, worked, and went out on dates.
They both graduated from public high school and took college classes. George accompanied Lori for six years while she worked in a hospital laundry.
Lori, “a trophy-winning bowler,” according to the obituary, quit in 1996 so her brother could launch a career in country music.
When he went out on dates, George brought books to read.”
“Since the age of 24, they have maintained their own residence and have traveled extensively,” the obituary notes. Over the years, they appeared in several documentaries and talk shows, as well as an episode of the FX medical drama “Nip/Tuck.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Lori was once engaged to be married, but that his fiancée died in a car accident.
In a 1997 documentary, the twins said they had different bathing schedules and showered separately. George talked about giving someone you love and respect “privacy and commitment in situations where you would like to receive the same.” Lori said that commitment meant that “you can't have everything you want right when you want it.”
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