Hudson Valley neighbors are mourning the loss of international opera icon Jessye Norman.

Norman passed away on Monday.

While many knew her voice, only a few knew Norman called the Hudson Valley her home for decades. Norman's escape from stage was in a grand mansion in Croton, called White Gates.

Described as a "grand mansion of sound," the acclaimed soprano won Grammy's and many other top honors, including a Kennedy Center Honor and the National Medal of Arts. For more than five decades, she traveled the world performing in the most famous concert halls.

"People adored her, she could do everything", said Cornelia Cotton, a Croton shop owner. "It's not every day that you meet a world-famous artist, I'll never forget it as long as I live."

Cotton says Norman's visit to her store meant so much her – she even kept the receipt for 30 years. She says she will cherish the memory of her neighbor and international superstar who touched the lives of everyone who was blessed to hear her majestic voice.