Jennylyn Mercado’s adoptive mother Lydia Mercado passes away

Jennylyn Mercado’s aunt and adoptive mother, Lydia Mercado, passed away this morning, Oct. 29, at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City, according to the actress’ talent manager, Becky Aguila.

Lydia was 74.

In a text message to the Inquirer, Aguila said Lydia died at 7:52 a.m. due to “sepsis secondary to pneumonia.”

In a Facebook post, Aguila, speaking on behalf of the Mercado family, requested for prayers and thanked those who have offered condolences.

“We would like to request for privacy for the family during this difficult time,” she wrote. “We’re hoping for everyone’s understanding.”

It was Lydia who took and raised Jennylyn, after the GMA 7 contract star was physically abused by her stepfather as a 4-year-old child.