I'm unsure.
Years ago I worked with someone who became a friend (bit older than me and her kids were a few years older than mine, so she was a bit of a 'mentor' at times).
I wasn't one of her really close 'inner circle' but we were friends- she was my asst at work. We both left and continued to meet maybe 4-5 x a year for a coffee/ lunch as well as doing Xmas and birthday cards. I knew her for around 10 years. I've not seen or heard from her for about another 10-15 years - ages!!!
At one point she stopped returning my calls left on her voicemail.
I didn't push- just thought she was busy. Then, by chance I met her in a store, she was on the verge of tears, said she couldn't talk, had been very upset and told me her DH of 26 years had left her, and she also had a chronic health issue (which could be life-limiting. )
I saw her once or twice after that for a coffee and she was clearly struggling emotionally, but also keen to try to move on, was doing a recreational course, meeting new people. Her divorce was bitter and she made him wait 5 years.
The Xmas cards dwindled over a few years and we lost touch.
But I was recently in touch with another old work colleague (now in her 90s) who worked with us, and it made me want to know how my old friend was doing, how her boys were, how she is healthwise.
She was a lovely sunny, happy person and a joy to be with, but the divorce clearly hit her very badly.
I'm tempted to sent her a note asking how she is and giving her my email if she wants to let me know.
BUT I'm worried that my popping up might remind her of that sad stage of her life if she's now got new friends.