St. Helena native Mabel Johnson has given $8 million to St. Helena Hospital, the largest donation in the hospital’s history.

The gift is in the form of an irrevocable trust payable upon Johnson’s death. It will be earmarked for medical technology.

Johnson, 85, said she and her late husband Wayne always “felt secure because we’ve always had good doctors in St. Helena.”

“If I’m sick, I want my doctors right here,” said Johnson. “I want my hospital close, too. … My husband went very often (to St. Helena Hospital) and he always had great care.”

She said state-of-the-art technology is crucial to maintaining that high standard because it helps the hospital attract and retain the best doctors.

Mabel (Dal Porto) married Wayne Johnson in 1942. Until Wayne’s death in 2001, the couple built up an impressive portfolio, starting with a savings account through their employer, PG&E, and continuing with shrewd real estate and stock market investments.

The $8 million donation is just the latest example of Johnson’s commitment to the hospital, said Elaine John, president of the St. Helena Hospital Foundation.

In addition to being the hospital’s biggest donor over the years, Johnson has logged more than 3,500 volunteer hours at the hospital since 1996, and she currently manages its Volunteer Project Center.

The Johnsons previously contributed to the hospital’s urology department and crafted the hospital’s first-ever charitable remainder trust.

“Mabel’s life has been a life of giving, and she gives in almost every way imaginable,” said St. Helena Hospital President Terry Newmyer. “You never encounter her without receiving joy from her.”

In honor of Johnson’s donation, the hospital will name its newest building the Johnson Pavilion. The 24,000-square-foot facility, which will house the Martin-O’Neil Cancer Center and the Pavilion Surgery Center, is scheduled to open in mid-November.