John Ellison died in the hospice in 2005. He established Ellisons Aluminium in 1989, building the company up to the Otago market leader it is today.
"This donation is given from the Ellison family in recognition of the care and support given to John by the Otago hospice," Mrs Ellison said.
Hospice staff had gone out of their way to help Mr Ellison and their family, and were very supportive, she said.
Mr Ellison had wanted to give money to the organisation, and she meant to fulfil his wish.
"You just never know when cancer is going to tap you on the shoulder."
His business, about which he had been so passionate, had been able to stay in the family. It was being managed by Brian de Groot and Nicholas Cooke.
Mrs Ellison said the team's support of her husband and the family after his death had been fantastic.
"They were incredibly supportive . . . through that time."
