Barbara A. Mella, MD, passed away peacefully the morning of January 24, 2018. Born in Milton, Massachusetts in 1923, she was 94 years old and is survived by her beloved brother, Gordon Mella of Potomac Md., and sister, Georgia Fraser of Fairfax Va., as well as many generations of nieces and nephews.

In 1947, Barbara earned a degree in nursing from the University of Minnesota. Following extensive travel in the Mideast and Asia as a foreign service medical officer, she returned to the U.S. and in 1960 earned her medical degree from the University of Virginia. After completing her training she established a successful neurology practice in Fairfax, Va. Barbara was one of the first neurologists on staff at Fairfax Hospital. While there in the early 1970s, she worked to establish the Stroke Unit, one of the few in existence at that time. She served as president of the Fairfax County Medical Society.

Barbara is fondly remembered as a gifted physician, passionate animal lover, devoted sister and aunt, and an inspiration to all who met her.