Barbara M. "Barbie" Banks, of Melrose, formerly of Saugus and Rome, Italy died May 27, 2021 following a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. Born in Melrose and raised in Saugus, she was the daughter of the late Bruce and Annina "Ann" (Minichiello) Banks. She was a graduate of Saugus High School. Barbie worked for Fairchild Publishing for several years before moving to Rome, Italy in 1967. While living in Rome she worked for Vatican Radio and for many years Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). She returned to Massachusetts to reside in 2018. Barbie was an active member in The Church of Santa Susanna in Rome. She was a wonderful artist, and her artwork was featured on covers of FAO magazine. She enjoyed going on holiday with her tour groups and traveled extensively throughout the world; she loved to share The Eternal City with visitors to Rome. She was passionate about politics, loved films, books, and liked to cook and host dinner parties for friends. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt and friend. Barbie was predeceased by her brother Bruce Banks and her sister Sheila Cerasuolo and brother-in-law John "Jack" Cerasuolo all of Saugus. She is survived by her sister-in-law Jean Banks. She was the cherished aunt of Lisa Banks, Mark Banks, Barbara Cerasuolo Wall and her husband George, Susan Wyatt and her husband Shawn, Anne Bowen and her husband Robert. Aunt Barbie also leaves behind her 'greats': Sarah, Anna and Maxwell Bowen and Benjamin Wall. Her family would like to recognize her lifelong friends: Lola and Nick Fasano, Betty and Jack Andre, Judy and Phil (deceased) Boyle, Marilyn and Bill (deceased) McCormick, and her many special friends around the world. Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Monday, June 7, 2021 from 9-10AM, followed by a Funeral Service in the funeral home at 10AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial in Riverside Cemetery, Saugus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choosing.