Xenia S. Hemsworth, 81, of Mt. Pleasant, died Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Birkwood Village of Ft. Madison, IA.
Mrs. Hemsworth, the former Xenia (Oksana)Svitlana Mirza, was born April 24, 1944 in Odesa, Ukraine. She was the daughter of Michael and Maria Mirza. Her family emigrated to Europe and then to Australia, escaping the ravages of World War II. With family connections in the United States, Xenia emigrated to St. Paul, MN. She graduated from Humboldt High School as a member of the Class of 1961. Xenia was selected to be Miss St. Paul. On July 21, 1968 in St. Paul, Xenia was united in marriage to Terry Laurence Hemsworth.
Xenia and Terry were entertainers, headlining at the Edgewater Inn, located on the banks of the Mississippi River in St. Paul. They also took their act on the road, performing in many supper clubs and night clubs. They resided in St. Paul, then Bemidji, MN before returning to St. Paul. In 1982, the couple moved to make their home in Mt. Pleasant.
Once in Mt. Pleasant, Xenia owned and operated Curtain Call Draperies. She created curtains for stages and entertainment venues, shipping them all around the world. Xenia retired from curtain production and closed her business in 2019.
Xenia was a member of the Hope Lutheran Church. She had been active in the Mt. Pleasant Community Theater, having roles in many plays and musicals. Xenia will be lovingly remembered for “always willing” attitude, never complaining about her challenges.
Those thankful for sharing in Xenia’s life include her husband of 57 years, Terry of Mt. Pleasant; 3 children – John (Amanda) Hemsworth of Mt. Pleasant, Brydie Marie (Brent) Criswell of Shueyville, IA, and Daniel Hemsworth of Rome, IA, and 6 grandchildren – Henry, Violet and Munro Criswell and Ben, Cecelia and Gabriel Hemsworth.
Her parents and two brothers, George and Sviatoslav Mirza, precede Xenia in death.
The funeral service for Xenia will be 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Hope Lutheran Church, 1465 Walnut Ave., rural Brighton, IA (in the Old Germanville area). The Rev. Ryan Dexter, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the Hope Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12 Noon to 7 PM on Friday, December 19th at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 5-7 PM.
Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com
