The ambulance was unveiled yesterday at the woman’s home with her family and friends present.
St John fundraising and marketing manager Debbie Zwies said the woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, agreed with her late husband to fund the vehicle.
Together they had written the decision in their wills.
The donor was unwell and wanted to ensure the promise she made with her husband was honoured, so donated the money while she still could.
An ambulance cost $249,000 and St John needed about 50 new vehicles every year.
Without donations St John could not do what it did, she said.
The ambulance would be used throughout Mosgiel.
A function was held for the woman and her family, which included a formal exchange of ownership and a blessing for the ambulance.
