Lewis' Broadway career spanned over 25 years, beginning with the role of Ernestina in Hello, Dolly!. Among her other major roles was Miss Hannigan in Annie, Golde in FIddler on the Roof, Rachel Halpern in Rags, Miss Katz in Roza. and Nurse Porter in Orpheus Descending opposite Vanessa Redgrave. She was also in the pre-Broadway production of Busker Alley.

Lewis also worked frequently Off-Broadway, including a role in When She Danced, in regional theater, and in cabaret. She also recorded a CD, Nowadays.

She is survived by her husband, Fred Bryan.